Bird boxes and ringing projects and other activity updates

-

The (reasonably) Great Sycamore
Update
The woodland as a whole is developing nicely and the benefits of last year's NIA work should be evident during the next few weeks.

The Primroses are currently in flower and the Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage alongside the Yellow Pimpernel seem to be thriving likewise.

Cow Parsley and Wild Garlic Delight
In parts, especially in the hazel coppice (last cut 2011) Cow Parsley is providing verdant carpets soon to display their carroty flowers; a notable line occurs around the Scots Pine plantation wherein light meets shade and the Cow Parsley patch abruptly ends.

The woodland, particularly at this stage (merely 26 years), changes its character year on year and is a continuing crafting exploit, with coppicing and coppice regrowth together with new planting adding to the overall fabric, whilst new worn paths and other activities add further dimensions beyond the purely physical. More dog walkers are using the site and there is evidence of periodic yet temporary settlement in the form of empty drinks cans, bottles, tissues, discarded blankets etc. Left over from night visitors, but I'm pleased that this seems to impact little on day time users, as long as the litter is regularly cleared.
The Great Poplar on the northern edge of the wood

Bird boxes
Dan provides us with regular updates regarding the 10 installed boxes and the current occupation and development stage of the inhabitants. April 1st nothing to report - April 16th -

Bird ringing was last reported in February and ceases during the breeding period.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brockley Grove - then and now

-
Image
Holders Woods and Fields east of centre with Brockley Grove to the south, road and turning circle Article from Birmingham Forum website -  My old mum and I moved into a prefab on Brockley grove just off dog pool lane (dads lane) in moseley in about 1959 and my old mum thought it was heaven, it had a "fitted kitchen" i.e a built in washing machine, she'd always had to do her washing by hand before and in both bedrooms were "metal" fitted wardrobes. As it was detached, standing surounded with a nice little garden we both loved it. unfortunatly it' now been demolished and  Brockley grove is now unsign posted and is a dog walking area but I will always have very fond memories of mom's little "bungalow". This map shows the layout of the Brockley Grove prefabs
Read more

New Trees - Woodland Wednesdays at Highbury

-
Image
Highbury Park and neighbours - wooded Wooded Highbury The term 'replete' has recently been used in reference to the wildlife provision at Highbury, and whilst the park can boast a healthy list of trees and bird life and perhaps reasonable opportunity for invertebrates, there is certainly room for enhancement and improvement in this regard. The park is jealously viewed and guarded by its regular visitors and protest quickly develops as changes occur - for example recently planted hedges were met with anxiety and vandalism, new desire lines are seen as trespass and the recently announced proposal to improve the tarmac surfacing for cyclists was greeted with the following- https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/place/bcr3-highbury-park-walking-and-cycling-route Consultation  Politics aside, if that's possible, an overview of the wooded fabric of the park would probably indicate a net loss of timber over the past 5 years due to ageing, and the need to 'mak
Read more

Do you know your Christmas Trees? (part 2)

-
Image
Fir at Cannon Hill Park possibly Abies grandis Winter 'evergreens', a suitable and seasonal distraction in terms of identification, providing a rather more challenging activity than the now fallen broad leaves, although having said that, a tree with no leaves is just as challenging when only buds and bark are at play. Also, the language of evergreens is somewhat different to that of broadleaves, in both biological terminology and description, providing a continual monologue through the year, with a voice that changes less hysterically than its broadleaf distant relatives. The other challenging difficulty of course is the weather, standing with a field guide and key on a cold day is not everyone's idea of fun. The subject trees related to in this passage are mainly those found locally either at the Cannon Hill Park Tree Trail or at the Highbury Park Pinetum and Highbury Estate.  All of the trees have been introduced with various planting schemes over the past 80 years or so,
Read more