Walking in the woods should be pleasurable as paths and tracks have dried, and are less muddy. Unfortunately many paths have become difficult to walk, as "off roaders" have been joyriding through the forest, and have churned the tracks, leaving deep ruts. This forces walkers to walk on the side of tracks, where wild flower habitats are. Steps have been taken to deter the drivers, and hopefully this will be sufficient to stop any further damage.
There are signs of Spring in the woods. Hazel (Corylus) male catkins have been flowering since early February, although their pollen would have been effected by frosts. Pussy Willow (Salix) is also in flower, again the male flower is the most prominent; Pussy Willow is an extremely valuable source of pollen to both honey bees and bumble bees. Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) has also come into flower, and will later form sloes as fruit.
Primroses (Primula Vulgaris) in protected areas have been flowering since February, and are now becoming more widespread. Lesser celandine (Rununculus Ficaria) leaves are developing, and are flowering in very protected spots. The spear type leaves of the Bluebell, (Hyacinthoides Umbellatum) are shooting up, and will probably be in flower in a months time.
Rabbits are busy reorganising their burrows, and piles of newly dug soil is evidence of expanding families. Badgers are in evidence where they have scratched the soil looking for worms; and squirrels can be seen rummidging for buried pine cones and nuts.
Birds are becoming more vocal and active. A pair of Jays were spotted in the beechwood; a Song Thrush has been heard singing from the same tree throughout March, Green Woodpeckers have been seen feeding on the ground, and Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits are extremely busy in the woods.
So maybe Spring has arrived!
Pussy Willow - Salix
Hazel Catkin
Hellebore
Primrose
Sparrow Hawks meal?
Buzzard above
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