Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods

These two sites form a large single area of arable farmland and ancient deciduous woodland. Parking for the farm is best along Canon's Lane (at the western end) off of the A217 at approx TQ245579. It is best to park in Ballard's Green, a cul-de-sac off of this road. A purpose built car park exists for the wood at TQ273583. Both sites are well served with public footpaths.

Canon's Farm has been virtually unwatched. In November 2005 a lone observer, looking to take on a patch within walking distance of his home, visited the site three times and was rewarded with plenty of interest, the following seemingly wintering, feeding and/or roosting in the area: up to 70 Lapwing, 38 Skylarks, 115 Meadow Pipits and 37 Yellowhammers (all peak counts). Single Brambling, Crossbill and, best of all, an immature female Goshawk were also seen. The fields are a mixture of ploughed and unharvested crop with rank grassy areas. Hedgerow is plentiful. There are plenty of 'stand-alone' mature trees and small copses. The only water on site is a small pond on the western side of the A217. This farm has potential.

Banstead Wood is a large area of ancient deciduous woodland that still holds breeding Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit. There has been limited observer coverage but in recent years Golden Oriole, Firecrest, Wood Warbler and Hawfinch have been seen. A couple of very small ponds exist.

Patchwatch January 2nd 2006 45 species Grey Heron (1), Mallard (35), Sparrowhawk (1), Kestrel (1), Moorhen (5), Black-headed Gull (400), Common Gull (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (5), Herring Gull (50), Ring-necked Parakeet (2), Feral Rock Dove (8), Stock Dove (8), Wood Pigeon (40), Collared Dove (3), Green Woodpecker (4), Great Spotted Woodpecker (3), Skylark (16), Meadow Pipit (1), Pied Wagtail (1), Wren (4), Dunnock (6), Robin (3), Stonechat (2), Blackbird (8), Fieldfare (180), Song Thrush (5), Redwing (3), Mistle Thrush (1), Goldcrest (2), Marsh Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Blue Tit (15), Great Tit (6), Nuthatch (3), Jay (17), Magpie (25), Jackdaw (7), Carrion Crow (105), Starling (75), House Sparrow (50), Chaffinch (20), Greenfinch (10), Goldfinch (3), Bullfinch (2), Yellowhammer (40).

January 8th 2006 A wet afternoon that at times verged on the birdless. Only one year tick Long-tailed Tit (no 46). Two notable flocks: Fieldfare (410) and Yellowhammer (31)

January 14th 2006 Only one year tick, a flock of Linnets (no 47). A mixed feeding flock of 350 Fieldfare, 350 Starling, 100 Redwing and 20 Chaffinches was noteworthy.

January 19th 2006 A Little Owl became the 48th species recorded this year. Counts of note included: Skylark (19), Meadow Pipit (13), Fieldfare (55), Redwing (100), Chaffinch (110), Linnet (10) and Yellowhammer (2)

January 21st 2006 Very quiet save for a Great Black-backed Gull (49th species for year)

January 28th 2006 The Yellowhammer flock has built up to 50. New for the year: Lesser Redpoll (no 50), Treecreeper (no 51) and Canada Goose (no 52).

February 5th 2006 A good mixed feeding flock on a stubble field comprised Stock Dove (30), Fieldfare (180), Redwing (30),Starling (80), Chaffinch (80), Greenfinch (20) and Yellowhammer (45). Some sight when they all took to the air. Also two each of Little Owl and Ring-necked Parakeet plus a male Stonechat.

February 25th 2006 Fieldfare (130), Starling (100), Yellowhammer (1). Very quiet.

March 18th 2006 After a three week break a return visit in blustery cold easterlies. A couple of Common Snipe were a surprise addition for the year (no.53) especially as the farm has no water body (or even damp fields). Up to 250 Fieldfare still present.

April 8th 2006 Chiffchaff and Pheasant (54 and 55) new for the year.

April 23rd 2006 56 Whitethroat and 57 Northern Wheatear on a damp and uninspiring afternoon visit.

April 29th 2006 Species new for year: Blackcap, Cormorant, Garden Warbler, Red-legged Partridge, Lapwing and Swallow (63 species)

May 9th 2006 Swift and House Martin new for year (65 species) Steve Gale