Forty Hill to Botany Bay September 10, 2026

Accessibility, Graffiti, Litter, Safety & Navigation:

Signage was limited, and although this is a beautiful other-worldly eco-paradise, it isn’t necessarily an accessible path in many parts with uneven paths, large ancient tree routes and drops. Still, it suits those who don’t mind rougher terrain and occasional ascents.  The one sign I spotted was covered in graffiti, yet the vandals respected the surrounding area. Absolutely no litter – and I did look! I observed no anti-social behaviour, and everyone I came into contact with was very friendly.

Fallen Trees - Dead Wood or Lack of Resources?

There were many fallen trees, or trees about to fall onto the path, and it was difficult to assess how much was intentionally left for biodiversity (deadwood) purposes and what was left due to a lack of resources to clear up, support, or treat hazards.

Biodiversity

It was nice to capture the unobtrusive Eurasian Treecreeper, which is normally quiet and spirals up tree trunks. I was equally pleased to capture some Wrens, which are very common in Enfield this time of year. Still, because they skulk in undergrowth, they are often under-recorded in walking bird surveys relative to how many are actually present.

I was not expecting Blackcaps. Many UK blackcaps are summer migrants that leave for Africa/Iberia by autumn, but a well-documented population of Central European blackcaps now winters in Britain instead, arriving around this time of year. So a blackcap on 10 September could be either a late-departing local breeder or an early-arriving winterer. I am hopeful that the drier grass will make great nesting areas for Skylarks.

The woods are recovering well, and green foliage was observed growing back quickly after the drought. Water levels are returning to the streams, and insect life is starting to form on stumps. Vegetation was confused, with trees either growing new leaves or dropping leaves early. Berries were both appearing and dying off—no mushrooms in sight.