'Other' Evergreens

-
Other evergreens alongside our collections and plantations of conifers include some interesting broadleaved species such as Ivy, Holly and Holm Oak.

Ivy in particular causes strong debate amongst tree managers as their considerations involve public health and safety alongside the welfare of individual trees. Richard Mabey tells us that "Attitudes towards ivy have been ambivalent since classical times" (Flora Britannica). Once believed to counteract the effects of alcohol, observed in the plant's ability to "smother grapevines" and thought to indicate some sort of cure for, or prevention of hangover.

Ivy clad undergrowth, shown here on the Rea riverside, is a valuable plant throughout the year, providing food and shelter to birds and invertebrates, especially Holly Blue butterflies-
"The larvae feed predominantly on the flower buds, berries and terminal leaves of Holly (Ilex aquifolium) in the spring generation, and Ivy (Hedera helix) in the summer generation." (Butterfly Conservation - 
http://butterfly-conservation.org/50-923/holly-blue.html )

as the plant clambers higher into the crowns of oaks, cover is provided for Tawny Owls.

Ivy causes great consternation to tree managers

Holm Oak
Quercus ilex at Kings Heath Park.
Holly like leaves - Holm Oak
A meditteranean origin
A gorgeous night scene of the largest tree in the world -- General Sherman Tree in California’s Sequoia National Park. Christian Loya captured this stunning shot last month. Of the experience, Christian says, “I had been trying various compositions for hours before everything came together. The skies finally cleared revealing a blanket of stars against these old and majestic trees.” Photo courtesy of Christian Loya. — at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

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

Lifford - William Dargue - A History of BIRMINGHAM Places & Placenames

-
Image
Lifford Woods An area of land bordering the River Rea at Allens Croft, with a pathway to Lifford Reservoir and Lifford Hall. The linear woodland runs either side of the river with willows and alders thriving. The site is little used today, with most people passing along the walkway, whilst much of the area is out of the public domain, cut off by railway embankment and the river.  In terms of wildlife, I guess this is under recorded, as are most sites, all records should be submitted to EcoRecord and twitter is a good way of doing this.  Lifford Woods and surrounds The account below is taken from "Lifford - William Dargue - A History of BIRMINGHAM Places & Placenames" B30 - Grid reference SP055796 la Ford: first record 1250 Lifford stands close to the ford across the River Rea. As the red clay on the east side of Birmingham became slimy and slippery in wet weather, a place where the river ran over a firmer bed would have been a draw ...
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