Langton Green Recreation Ground

As many of you will have noticed, the Rec at Langton Green has recently been badly affected by leatherjacket larvae - the grubs that later become crane flies (often known as daddy-long-legs). The mild, damp conditions have created perfect breeding conditions, and they feed on grass roots, leaving large areas damaged.

Unfortunately, this is not an issue unique to Langton Green. A number of golf courses and playing fields across the country are experiencing the same problem but that is little consolation when it is our own recreation ground that is suffering.

Control is challenging. The natural predator of leatherjackets is a microscopic worm called a nematode, but these are only effective when soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C. Treating large areas is also costly. For now, the key concern is limiting further damage while the larvae remain active.

Once conditions are warm enough, we will move quickly to reseed affected areas. During this recovery period, some sections of the Rec will need protection to give new grass the best possible chance to establish. This will inevitably have implications for footballers, cricketers, dog walkers, and children using the space after school.

In the meantime, we are keeping a close eye on the situation. Please do take care where you and your two and four-legged companions, are walking over the coming weeks.

Thank you for your patience and support. We shall keep you posted on the situation.