Field flora before and after intervention
Photo 1 shows the extent of bramble colonisation before brush cutting occurred. Photo 2 shows two resulting phases of the brush cutting. One phase being regrowth of bramble, the other phase shows the re-colonisation of native flora once the bramble has been eradicated.
Read MoreBeard Lichen
Beard Lichen is truly captivating in its unique structure, similar to a sea plant or an ocean coral. It is an indicator of clean air which is plenty down here in Cornwall. However, I once found a tiny flake growing on a tree in Birmingham (Lickey Hills). Needless to add, no other visitor in the…
Read MoreWildlife importance of dead standing trees
It is very important to leave dead trees standing whenever possible and safe. Many different species of insects can be found living on the dead tree compared to those attracted to dead wood on the ground. A more diverse range of insects can support a wider range of animals higher up the food chain.
Read MoreDecaying pattern of a Buddleia stump
This picture shows the stump of a large Buddleia bush. These stunning dark markings on the inside of the main stem were caused by decay, whereas the lighter regions around the edge consist of living wood. The non-living wood still serves a vital role structurally, although the evident decay has weakened the structural integrity of…
Read MoreHow moss reproduces
When mosses reproduce, they create spores (similar to seeds) which are released and dispersed by the wind. When spores land in a suitable environment, they grow as a moss. The picture below shows many sporophytes. These consist of stalks with a capsule at the end which are full of spores ready for dispersal.
Read MoreCutting back grasses in winter
When cutting back grasses and other plants, it is important to not cut at ground level, leaving the stems a few inches in length. This allows for small insects to take shelter in the hollow stems during the winter, providing safety from predators.
Read MoreAbscission
Abscission is when leaves fall off trees. The reason leaves fall is because of a hormone called auxin in all plants. Auxin helps plants grow and it also forms a layer towards the bottom of each leaf, which is called the abscission layer and it helps support the leaf. The cold winter temperatures slow down…
Read MoreBeautiful leaf pattern
This is a photo of a leaf which has been partly eaten by the larva of a Leafminer Fly. Once hatched from it’s egg, the larva makes its way inside the leaf, which is it’s food source. The intricate white lines are tunnels where the larva has eaten the fleshy innards of the leaf.
Read MoreSigns of a returning deer population
This is a sign of an emerging deer population. Fraying is when a male deer rubs its head against a tree in order to remove the velvet from newly formed antlers, or to mark territory during the rut. This shows that deer have returned to this glade. This photo was taken in an area I…
Read MoreA valuable food source through winter.
Ivy is an excellent plant to have in your garden as it makes scarce food available for wildlife throughout the winter months.
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