Pictured is the rather unusual fruit of the wych elm. This picture was taken of a branch of the junior tree next to great wych elm in Halnacker Lane. After dutch elm disease, these trees are very rare so we are lucky to have a couple in the parish
Swallows have arrived back in East Meon this week, after their epic journey from southern Africa. The are around two weeks later than last year, when they were first seen on 6 April.
The Tree Working group (TWIG) met on 21 April to start preliminary work on their projects of hedge planting on the Recreation Ground (boundary beside the High Street) and Workhouse Lane (boundary with the Village Green).
Wild flower walks with Helen Boyce, naturalist and author, at Noar Hill Nature Reserve, Selborne. Helen would be delighted to take individuals or small groups of 2-3 people around Noar Hill in June, showing and teaching them about the beautiful and abundant chalk downland wild flowers found there, including various orchids. She charges a token fee of £15 per head for a full morning or an afternoon session. People interested can text or phone her now on 07770 593330. Read more…
The EMN’s TWIG Group launches its new poster. More information to come!
Colts-foot (tussilago farfara) is now flowering in and around the parish. It can grow in the most unlikely of barren sites. It is often overlooked as its yellow flowers look like a number of other spring species. The leaves, which are hoof shaped hence the name of the plant, will appear after the flowers have died. The leaves used to be dried and smoked in pipes to relieve asthma, and their juice was regarded as Read more…
Yesterday, 28 February, was a warm (9C) and damp evening, this followed nearly a week of cool dry evenings. The toads must have thought this is the time to get going and move to their breeding pond next to Coombe Road. The patrol helped a record 131 toads and 5 newts to the pond, unfortunately 6 toads were found squashed. The toad patrols continue.
Lesser Celandine is now flowering at the bottom of hedges around the Parish. This picture was taken at The Old Dairy in Coombe Road. The mild January and February weather has brought them out early this year.
This killing and plucking post was spotted in Hen Wood. A bird of prey will take their kill to the stump and pluck the feathers before they enjoy their meal. The prey here is most likely a pigeon, looking at the colour and size of the feathers. From the stump they also have a good field of vision to spot any dangers.
It may be January, but nature is being to stir. Hazel catkins are elongating, getting ready to spread their pollen in the hedgerows and the woods.