Wild daffodils aloft in the root-plate of a storm-toppled tree Wild daffodils bloom in the upturned root-plate of a tree brought down in a winter storm. This is the season for the flora of the herb layer, before leaf-buds open and the canopy shadows the woodland floor. A twig of cones has snagged on a slender tree as the conifer came down. Creepers spiral round and round branches. Ivy berries give food for birds and we come upon a spectacular ivy tree, the host's bare branches peeping through a garment of ivy.
Sunlight pours down into Brigsteer Wood where mature trees have been felled and we can see the pools at Park End Moss from high in the wood.
Sunlight pours down into Brigsteer Wood where mature trees have been felled and we can see the pools at Park End Moss from high in the wood.
Chiff chaff can overwinter in the UK but in March the wood is loud with the insistent call of spring migrants, male chiff chaff seeking to attract females. The bird faces this way and that, his call ringing out from the top of bare trees, hopping into the air and fluttering his wings in display. I hear chiff chaff throughout the wood, proclaiming their territory, seeking mates.
There's the soft tap tap of a blue tit on tree bark and the louder drumming of a woodpecker. A tree creeper goes mouse-like upward, reaches ivy and flits to the next tree.
There's the soft tap tap of a blue tit on tree bark and the louder drumming of a woodpecker. A tree creeper goes mouse-like upward, reaches ivy and flits to the next tree.
The morning is sunny and warm and peacock butterflies settle on the earth, taking up mineral salts and sunshine. Brimstones zip along the woodland rides, rarely settling.
Keep your dog under close control, says a National Trust sign. Not all wildlife is obvious.
I rather like the thought of all we anticipate, and all we do not see- the secrets of the wood. Violets bloom and the caterpillar of the Silver Washed Fritillary will emerge from over-wintering and crawl down the tree trunk to find nourishment from its food plant. In July, the butterfly will be on the wing. The trees look wintry but there's more nectar and pollen than first appears. Willow catkins are abundant, and thick with pollen. Blackthorn is in flower. It's peaceful here and the wood is full of secrets. Not all wildlife is apparent.
Keep your dog under close control, says a National Trust sign. Not all wildlife is obvious.
I rather like the thought of all we anticipate, and all we do not see- the secrets of the wood. Violets bloom and the caterpillar of the Silver Washed Fritillary will emerge from over-wintering and crawl down the tree trunk to find nourishment from its food plant. In July, the butterfly will be on the wing. The trees look wintry but there's more nectar and pollen than first appears. Willow catkins are abundant, and thick with pollen. Blackthorn is in flower. It's peaceful here and the wood is full of secrets. Not all wildlife is apparent.
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