Wildlife
The UK ranks as one of the world’s most depleted nations when it comes to nature. Habitats crucial for pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, and moths have dwindled due to intensive farming, deforestation, and the loss of flower-rich meadows.
The State of the Nation report on the UK’s biodiversity paints a concerning picture. However, it also highlights the commendable efforts of individuals and organisations nationwide striving to reverse these worrying trends.
Since the wetlands were constructed in 2016, Firs Farm has evolved into a much richer wildlife habitat. Today, it is home to hundreds of species, marking a significant biodiversity net gain.
Over two thousand trees, shrubs, and bulbs have been planted across Firs Farm, absorbing carbon and creating new wildlife havens. Most of the trees planted are native species, to support our native wildlife. Large hibernacula were also installed as part of the initial landscaping of the wetlands, together with species rich flower/wet meadows and bunds, and orchard species.
Firs Farm is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), where the open spatial character is required to be maintained.
It is also within a wildlife Corridor identified in Enfield Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF), and is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). There are fragments of broadleaved woodland and outgrown native hedgerows. Rarer species present are meadow thistle, wood sedge, tutsan, lady fern and lily of the valley. There also are a couple of veteran oaks. Outgrown native hedges comprising oak, elder, common hawthorn and blackthorn divide the sports pitches.
Additionally, new habitats like a stumpery and a solitary bee hotel have been established. As a result, the recorded number of plant and wildlife species at Firs Farm continues to grow annually, with many more invertebrates, amphibians, and fungi now thriving; including some which are on the Red List of Endangered Species for Great Britain.
More still needs to be done, but let’s also celebrate what has been achieved so far. The Friends are attempting to catalogue this rich biodiversity. Use this website to explore Firs Farm and if you find any unrecorded species please get in touch!
The Friends have listed the species recorded so far, we and will keep adding to the list.
Birds
Since the wetlands were constructed, Firs Farm has become home to a wide variety of waterfowl and birds. While some are seasonal visitors, the majority of species at Firs Farm are permanent residents.
In addition to this beautiful Mandarin duck, you can spot mallard ducks and tufted ducks. Firs Farm is also home to black-headed gulls, coots, herons, moorhens, Egyptian Geese, and mute swans.
Here is a list of the birds recorded at Firs Farm
Invertebrates
An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone.
Insects are the largest group of invertebrates, with six legs, two antennae and three body parts. However the category covers insects such as butterflies, but also spiders, snails and worms.
Here is a list of invertebrates recorded at Firs Farm
Trees
Most of the trees put in since 2016 have been planted by the Friends; with help from residents, schools, and volunteering groups.
The Sakura Cherry Trees were planted in April 2021, with the help of volunteers, including pupils from Winchmore School and Carey Hall playgroup. The orchard along the path between the Hub and the wetlands is newly planted, with further planting proposed.
As you explore Firs Farm you may note that some of the trees have plaques on them. These are trees that have been donated by residents. Children love to come back to see how their trees are growing.
Here is a list of trees recorded at Firs Farm
The Wildlife Trust has a useful guide to help with tree identification.
Wetlands plants
Wetlands plants, including the reed beds, sedges, irises, and marsh plants submerged in the ponds/cells form the structure of the wetlands. They play a vital role as a wildlife habitat but also in soaking up carbon as it flows through the wetlands. They support a vast array of wildlife.
Here is a list of wetlands plants recorded at Firs Farm
Meadow and woodland plants
Most of the flowers you will see in Firs Farm are wildflowers; defined simply as any flower that grows naturally. However, nature has been given a helping hand; with the orchard and some of the banks seeded with wildflower species, to increase the diversity.
However, wildflower meadows do need to be maintained. They should be mown in late summer and the cuttings removed. If the plant material is left after being cut back, the soil becomes too fertile and the plants get overrun by grasses and more aggressive species.
Meadow and woodland plants recorded at Firs Farm
Different types of Wildflowers
Different types of Woodland Wildflowers
Fungi
There are around 15,000 types of wild fungi grown in the UK.
You can spot toadstools all over Firs Farm, but especially in the wooded areas and in the longer grass, in late summer and autumn; when it is warm and damp. If you are walking through the stumpery, look out for some of the more unusual varieties, on the tree stumps.
Fungi are very important to the ecosystem, feeding on dead plant material and supporting plant root systems.
Some fungi are extremely poisonous. Please ensure that your children and pets do not touch them.
Below are links to the Woodland Trust’s guides to fungi.
Types of Mushrooms in the UK – Common identification guide
Mammals
Firs Farm is home to foxes, squirrels, hedgehogs, field mice and water voles.
Water voles are a protected species. They live in burrows on the grassy banks along the water courses. They have a big appetite and need to eat up to 80% of their body weight, daily to survive! They are busy beavers, helping to keep invasive grass species in check.
The Friends have created a number of information boards around Firs Farm, as well as a series of Nature Guides that you can download.
Guided tours
The Friends of Firs Farm and and Thames 21 regularly lead guided walks for residents, schools, and other organisations. Join a tour to get a better understanding of wetlands and wildlife at Firs Farm.
If you would like to enquire about a guided walk, or book a place on a walk please email friendsoffirsfarm@gmail.com