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 gall, a structure that protects the developing larvae until they undergo metamorphosis into adults. Apparently this process seems to do little to damage the oak.
Oak galls have been used in the production of ink since roman times.
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…
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 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