Woodlands
Bluebells in Hen Wood
With the long dry and sunny period this spring there is a brilliant show of bluebells in Hen Wood this year.
Summer Flowers
Greater Butterfly Orchids are Flowering in Hen Wood
A good number of greater butterfly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) are growing alongside common spotted orchids beside the wide track in Hen Wood. These are a relatively rare species. They are a tall and upright orchid and are found in meadows and open woodland, and are fond of chalky soils. They Read more…
Woodlands
Good Time to Spot Mistletoe
With the leaves fallen from the trees, now is a good time to spot mistletoe. They are parasites on the tree they rest in, taking water and nutrients from their hosts. Some mistletoes do perform photosynthesis during some of the year, so are only hemiparasitic. Pre-Christian cultures regarded the white Read more…
Woodlands
Oak Apples
I found these oak apples, or galls, on an oak sapling recently. Oak apples are caused by a gall wasp laying a single egg in a developing leaf bud on an oak tree. The wasp larvae feed on the gall tissue resulting from their secretions, which modify the oak bud into the Read more…
Woodlands
Timber cutting at Duncoombe Wood
Western red cedar being cut down in Duncoombe Wood, ready to be used as cladding on the refurbished hostel at the Sustainability Centre