Date: 7 August 2026
Location: Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve, Surrey
Duration: 2 hours
Habitat: Meadow and grassland
Species encountered: Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi)Field Notes

I spent two hours volunteering at Tice’s Meadow, with around an hour of the session focused on practical habitat management. We worked in the left-hand corner of the meadow, manually removing thistles that had become particularly dominant in this area.

The aim was to reduce the amount of thistle and create more space for a wider variety of meadow plants to establish. It was a useful opportunity to see how targeted management of a relatively small area can help prevent one species from becoming overly dominant and potentially improve the botanical diversity of the meadow.

Surrey Choices were also at the reserve with a group of adults with additional needs. While working in the meadow, I found a Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi), which gave us an unexpected opportunity to stop and take a closer look. I was able to show the spider to the group, who were very interested and enthusiastic about seeing it.

It was a nice example of how practical conservation work can create opportunities for wildlife engagement at the same time. Although only part of the session involved the physical removal of thistles, the visit combined habitat management, wildlife observation and community involvement, making it a varied and worthwhile couple of hours at the reserve.

Photographs