Spring is almost with us, judging by a stroll at Wapley Bushes over Easter:
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The first bluebells are just emerging… |
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A few primroses… |
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And lesser celandines on the woodland floor |
All posts by paulhulbert
Report from work morning 2nd March
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We had a very successful work morning today. One work party thinned out a large number of surplus ash trees in the Centenary Wood to allow the main tree to grow without too much competition. It seemed perverse to be cutting down young trees, but it will be for the best in the long term.
Following traditional woodland practices, we coppiced them – cutting them off at 10 to 15 cm from ground level so that they will regrow as bushes. This understorey will hopefully stop the brambles from invading. |
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Meanwhile the other group worked their way round the meadows, where the invasive growth has recently been cut back, trimming off stray saplings and gathering up litter. We were glad to be joined by several young people who worked hard to help us. |
Work morning tomorrow (2 March)
A quick reminder that there’s a Wapley work morning tomorrow, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. We’re doing some traditional woodland management – coppicing – and litter clearance. The weather forecast is good, so come and join us for some fresh air and gentle exercise.
Report from work morning 27th January
On a bright but cold morning we tackled some very different jobs. First we planted some trees and bushes to fill in the gaps in the picnic area hedge.
Then we moved on to the lower end of the Western Wood…
… where we planted a range of native wild flowers – red campion, lesser celandine and bluebells. Notice that there are green shoots already poking their heads up through the leaf mould.
We also cleared a ditch on the side of the Lower Meadow to help the recent rain to flow away without spilling out into the field.
These photos were taken by Isabel Ryan – thank you, Isabel.
Effects of Global Warming
Springlike sunshine in Harry Stoke todayHere’s an interesting post by a Canadian blogger writing about the effects of global warming in this part of our country, and quoting some recent press articles.
Look out for fungi
At first glance the Reserve looks pretty bare at the moment, but if you look carefully you’ll see all sorts of interesting things. Here are some fungi near the bottom gate of the Western Wood.
Caught napping
Spotted on Friday on a path in the Western Wood – this rabbit (probably an escaped domestic one), fast asleep. It looked in very good condition.
A heron profits from the flooding
Spotted several mornings recently in the flooded field just Yate side of Frampton Cotterell – a heron staring intently into the water.
At first I thought it was being optimistic and looking for non-existent fish, but then I realised that it was looking for frogs – a tasty breakfast for a heron.
Workday this Sunday (27 January)
Just a reminder that the next Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is on Sunday, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. Please come along and help us. We will be doing some planting and general conservation work.
Please wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. To find out more please ring Paul on 01454 315851 or Isabel on 01454 313055.
More on magpies
Spotted this week – an enterprising magpie checking out the rookery for anything of interest.
I don’t think he’ll get away with that when the rooks start the new nesting season…