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International Year of the Forest 2011
Celebrate trees this year!
The United Nations Assembly has declared 2011 the International Year of the Forest which aims to raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and development of all forests. A number of events have been organised including three exhibitions by 'Creative Bromley' on 27th July - 10th August, 22nd October and 11th September. For more details, pick up a copy of the 'Walks, Talks & Events' leaflet from your local library.

Pick up a new 'Walks, Talks & Events' Leaflet!
Want to join in with outdoor guided walks and events around the Borough?
Want to join in with outdoor guided walks and events around the Borough? Then visit your local library or BEECHE (High Elms) for a copy covering April-September 2011.
Contact Information:	Call Bromley Countryside Service on 01689 862 815 for a copy
e-mail:	countrysideandparks@bromley.gov.uk

Try out the Ravensbourne Trail!
'Darrick & Newstead Woods' and 'Keston & Hayes Commons' were declared Local Nature Reserves during 2010.
The areas are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and some areas of national importance as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Local Nature Reserve status highlights the value of the sites for both people and nature. To help celebrate, a new leaflet has been developed that allows you to explore the commons at all times of year. Visit BEECHE at High Elms to pick up a copy or call High Elms Office on 01689 862 815 for a copy to be sent to you.
Contact Information:	Ring BCS on 01689 862 815.
e-mail:	countrysideandparks@bromley.gov.uk

Leaflet Advice on Setting the Boundaries Naturally
A leaflet on hedgerows has been developed by the Bromley Countryside Service
A leaflet has been developed by the Bromley Countryside Service about Bromley's hedgerows and what people can do to look after them. The leaflet includes useful contacts too. See 'Action for Habitats', 'Hedgerows' to view a copy. For hard copies of the leaflet ring 01689 862 815. The leaflet features information about a survey of 30km - over 200 hedgerows - growing in Darwin's Landscape Laboratory. Analysis of results reveal good news! Most are well connected with one or two others, and the majority are dense with few gaps. The majority only incorporate native, woody species typical of the landscape and a quarter incorporate examples of ancient trees. More than 150 species of ground flora were found growing at the bottom of the whole hedgerow network, including species Darwin observed, such as ground ivy and violets. Many climbers Darwin is known to have studied, such as white bryony and woody nightshade, were found to clamber across them too. These hedgerows are of some age - most of those surveyed were existence in Darwin’s time and so we can be sure we are witnessing a features he is known to have enjoyed.
Contact Information:	Ring 01689 862815
e-mail:	ewa.prokop@bromley.gov.uk

Explore the Beck Corridor!
	Pick up a walk pack and get active!
The London Borough of Bromley is promoting the enjoyment and health benefits of a string of green spaces in Beckenham and West Wickham. 'The Beck Corridor' includes green spaces such as Kelsey Park, Cator Park, Harvington Estate, High Broom Wood and Spring Park and all fall within a stone's throw of 'The Beck' river. An 'Explore the Beck Corridor' walk pack has been developed and is available free of charge from libraries until stocks last. Copies of the pack are also available to print off from this website - look under 'Enjoying Bromley's Biodiversity'. The pack includes 8 easy to use walk cards, incorporating notes on accessbility and built and natural heritage features. Information on public transport in the area and the greenery you can see from their windows is included. Advice on the health benefits of walking are outlined too.
Contact Information:	For further details ring 01689 862815.

Want to have your say or do your bit on the BBAP?
	Got ideas and organisational skills?
Want to have your say? Got ideas and organisational skills? Have you ever thought about joining the Biodiversity Steering Group or becoming more involved in turning the BBAP targets into reality? This year sees the revision of the BBAP. Much has been achieved in the years since the BBAP was established in 1999 and the partnership is now looking towards the next phase! You can share your ideas, help communicate the BBAP message to a wider audience, help manage sites and record species. Get in touch!
e-mail:	conservation@bromley.gov.uk
Further information:	For more information about the role of the groups view the specialist information page

Darwin's Landscape Laboratory Decision on World Heritage Bid Deferred
But Darwin's local heritage will continue to be celebrated and managed!
Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory, the bid selected by the UK government for World Heritage status has been deferred by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. At its meeting in Brasilia, Brazil during July the World Heritage Committee announced that although Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory was very strong in terms of recognising scientific achievement, further in depth study and analysis was needed before the site could be considered for World Heritage designation. The Committee voted to defer the nomination back to the UK authorities for these issues to be addressed. The UK stands by its view that Down House and its surroundings are a uniquely valuable site for the World Heritage of science. The properties included are all well looked after by English Heritage, the London Borough of Bromley and the Wildlife Trusts responsible, with good access and excellent information for visitors. Bromley Council is glad and proud to have Darwin's Landscape Laboratory in its care, and to be able to provide its heritage to the world. Much has been achieved in terms of partnerships, fund-raising, events and more during the bid process and the 'Discovering Darwin' Project. Further information about Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory is available at http://www.darwinslandscape.co.uk
Contact Information:	Alister Hayes 020 8461 7808 or Aimee Clarke on 020 8313 4665
e-mail:	alister.hayes@bromley.gov.uk

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