Butterfly and bee surveys are being set up on Tooting Common in March along with a number of other surveys to come in early summer.

The aim of the Tooting Common Heritage Project (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund) is to explore, restore, conserve and enhance the cultural and natural heritage of Tooting Common. To this end, the project will work in partnership with local community groups to:

• improve and monitor biodiversity and habitats
• conserve and restore heritage landscape and architectural features
• uncover the hidden history of the common as well as teach people about its rich past and biodiversity.

In the process, it will provide new volunteering opportunities and skills that people can use in the future, while engaging them in the improvement of the common.

By volunteering with the Tooting Common Heritage Project, not only will you contribute to the future management of the common, you’ll also learn new skills and meet new people. So whether you are keen to help as a hobby or are looking to further your vocational skills, the project will have the right level of involvement for you.

Throughout spring and summer, TCHP will be offering training and opportunities to learn about surveying and identifying different species. First up, they’ll be looking at butterflies and bees through short 1 to 2 hour training sessions. Please email TCHP@wandsworth.gov.uk if you’re interested in getting involved.