Waresley Wood

Good job this morning's thick fog cleared up, because I had a day off work. I ended up at Waresley Wood for a wander around. Things got off to a bad start when I realised the memory card from my big camera wasn't where it should have been... it was at home, still in the card reader.

It didn't matter too much, as there was plenty to enjoy: loads of fresh, bright green leaves, Bluebells and Lady's Smock in bloom; bee-flies and bumblebees buzzing; Orange-tip and Peacock butterflies flitting about; Bullfinches peeping, Robins singing and Sparrowhawks causing havoc.

Migrants were conspicuous by their absence. I'd at least expected Blackcaps to be singing, but heard only a couple of Chiffchaffs. Where are they all?

photos taken with Canon Powershot A640

Hayley Wood

Today I did something I'd been meaning to for a long time: I went to Hayley Wood. It's not far from where I live and I've been reading Oliver Rackham's book about it, titled Hayley Wood: Its History and Ecology.

Apparently, Hayley Wood might be a remnant of the prehistoric wildwood which covered much of this area, and its history can be traced through old documents showing how important it was for local villagers - for fuel and building materials, and also for pannage (that's browsing pigs).

I also thought it might be interesting to check out whether there were any of the typical ancient woodland bird species. The Wildlife Trust website mentions Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Lesser Redpoll. Of course, I drew a blank there, I didn't even see a Marsh Tit, and it was too early for flowers, too. It was hard work for not much, to be honest, but perhaps if I got back in a few weeks, I'll be impressed. Must swot up on my flowers and trees...







photos taken with Canon Powershot A640