Walking, Beyond the Underground,

Heathrow Terminal 5 to Staines

By Simon Pain 07 July 2023

For this walk I’m attempting to walk from the end of the Jubilee Line at Heathrow Terminal 5, out of the airport, across Staines Moor and down to the River Thames in Staines itself. I have no idea how easy it is to walk out of an airport on foot but we’ll find out.

Interactive Map: https://www.mapchannels.com/videomap/map.htm?folder=29726&map=29726-beyond-the-underground-heathrow-to-stain

Outtakes & Deletes Scenes - https://youtu.be/ZlTb4F7fazU

## Signs Click for a larger version.

Colne Valley Biodiversity Site

A white sign with a red prohibition symbol top left and the header ‘CONSERVATION AREA’. ‘Colne Valley Biodiversity Site. This is a Conservation area. Do not drive on any grassy areas. Please drive / park only on the access track. Rare and protected wildlife present throughout. Thank you.’ This is followed by a picture of a flower

Explore The Rivers of Staines Moor

‘Explore the Rivers of Staines Moor. Colne Valley Regional Park’.’ This section shows a map of the entire Colne Valley Regional Park with a pop-out showing the location of Staines Moor. ‘The Colne Valley Regional Park hosts a multitude of water courses, including the River Colne and Bigley Ditch. The Bigley ditch is an artificially formed ditch that begins at West Dayton before joining the River Colne here at Staines Moor. These blue waterways are a vital lifeline for local species providing a feeding opportunities for kingfishers and herons, plus refuge for aquatic species and amphibians. Take a stroll and see if you can spot a kingfisher or bat flying past.’ The next section comprises four images and associated descriptions. An image of the River Colne. ‘The River Colne is a tributary of the Thames which rises from a spring in North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire. Flowing down through Watford, it joins the River Thames just above Penton Hook Lock in Staines. This blue corridor hosts a wide diversity of wildlife including endangered species such as water voles and European eels.’ An photo of a Dragonfly. ‘Dragonflies and damselflies are beautiful, flying insects that come in a variety of sizes and colours. These insects are ancient, and their form has remained largely unchanged since the Jurassic period 250 million years ago, when giant versions roamed the skies. There are 57 recorded species of dragonflies and damselflies in the UK with numerous species found here such as the banded demoiselle. Visit in Spring and Summer to see if you can spot them zooming around the water edge.’ A photo of a Kingfisher. ‘Keep your eyes and ears peeled on the river for the blue flash of high-pitched call of the Kingfisher. This species if often used as an indicator of a healthy river as they are sensitive to pollution and poor river management. Kingfishers sit on bankside vegetation and dive into the water headfirst in search of fish. If you’re lucky you may see them perched like this but you’re much more likely to catch a fleeting glimpse as they zoom past patrolling their territory.’ A photo of a Pipistrelle Bat. ‘This wetland habitat and green spaces provides a vital travel corridor and foraging ground for bats including the soprano pipistrelle and daubentons. Pipistrelles are the smallest bats in Britain, they are so small they can fit inside a matchbox. Head down to the river at dusk and watch out for bats feasting on all the insects, they can easily eat 3,000 insects a night.’ ‘Follow us on social media: facebook.com/colnevalleypark Instagram @colnevalleyregionalpark Twiiter @Colne_valley’ The logos of Thames Water, Grundon, Colne Valley Regional Park, Groundworx, Spelthorne and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Staines Moor - Shaped By Water

‘Staines Moor - shaped by water’ ‘Over millennia, the River Colne has wiggled across the Moor, dumping sand, gravel and rich nutrients. The rivers, ditches, ponds and squelchy patches create a variety of places for plants and wildlife. Water features. The River Colne rises in the North Weald near St Albans and flows through chalk hills to get here. Other water features on the site are: • Wraysbury River which runs on the western edge of the Moor. • Bonehead Ditch which borders the eastern edge • Reservoirs adjacent to the site provide open water. • Butts Pond has open water and a large reedbed. • Yeoveney Ditch is usually only full in winter. • An aqueduct at the southern end of the Moor moves water from the Thames to the Staines reservoirs.’ A photo of a Redshank. ‘In winter, wading birds travel between the moor and the reservoirs. Many of the rare plants that help to make the Moor a Site of Special Scientific Interest are water-lovers - their names give that away!’ Photos of Marsh Marigold, Marsh Stitchword, Water Forget-me-not, Southern Marsh Orchid and Marsh Pennywort. At the centre of the sign in a map of the site. ‘A truly special site. Staines Moor is a great place for wildlife. Well over 300 types of plants and 130 different birds have been recorded here, and there are countless insects and other small creatures. Because of the variety and rarity of plants and wildlife here, Staines Moor is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Exploring Staines Moor. You are welcome to explore all parts of the Moor. Some areas may be inaccessible after heavy rain. Tips for sharing the Moor with grazing animals… Move quietly and carefully - walk around horses and cattle - give them space. Never pass between a cow and her calf. Always keep your dog under close control, ideally on a lead. Moor mosaic. Ponds, streams and soggy areas are part of the patchwork or habitats that make Staines Moor so good for wildlife. For further information contact Spelthorne Borough Council on 01784 451499 or at www.spelthorne.gov.uk’

Staines Moor - Knee-High Ancient Monuments

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Staines Moor - A Knee-High Grassland Safari

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Staines-upon-Thames

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Credits

Tags: 4 K, Hdr, London, Town,