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 berries as symbols of male fertility, leading to the ‘kissing’ rituals of today.
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 Read more…
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 Read more…
Western red cedar being cut down in Duncoombe Wood, ready to be used as cladding on the refurbished hostel at the Sustainability Centre