Storms Ciara and Dennis have caused damage right across the country including felling trees in our parks and open spaces. The one pictured on Clapham Common came down last weekend following high winds, snapped decisively at the base of the trunk.

After clearing fallen trees that block paths and roads, and once the ground is less waterlogged, Lambeth Council will soon begin cutting off tree branches leaving just the trunk. This will then be moved to a safe place on the Common and will either remain whole or cut into logs to become home to insects, such as stag beetles.

The aim is to improve the natural biodiversity across the Common, with the bugs attracting birds and small rodents.