The reasons for being unable to record and share images of the woods over the past few years are many, and nefarious, and so I'll save you the heartache of having to read all about them, and instead share the recent walk I did get.
And so the photographs that follow are all from today (18 February 2023) and have been taken using my phone...
Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first!
Yes...
If this is you desecrating our beautiful woodland with your selfish, unthinking actions, there's only one message I have for YOU!
Okay, let's forget about what man has to offer, and see what nature can provide...
Anybody who lives locally will know that we've had some turbulent weather of late, and that's resulted in a bit of damage to a few of the weaker trees.
Winter catkins
I'm hoping that the work to clear those areas left and right of the main path of undergrowth has not jeopardised any of the bugs and insects that would have been overwintering there.
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| I think this is Wood Ear, or Jelly Ear fungi |
Some of the fabulous trees to be found within the woods...
Pussy willow in bud...
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| This might be Ramalina farinacae lichen |
One of the ponds
Decaying wild rose hips...
The large stone marking the final resting place of the Comfort's, benefactors of these amazing woods...
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In an area close by the daffodils are poking their heads above the woodland floor...
As much as I abhor folk who allow (or probably don't even notice) their dogs fouling the woods, and failing to responsibly remove the offending material (and that doesn't mean just hanging it in a bag from a tree!), to an amateur entomologist, it's fascinating just how much life it can sustain...
More fungi now: I think this one is Turkey Tail. A very beneficial fungi health wise...
Both the 'penis' tree, and 'weevil' tree are still here. I'll leave you to decide which is which...
I wonder who lives here?
More new growth...
The area known by locals as 'the dip'...
The view that greets you from the Swattenden Lane entrance...
And so that's my record of one day at the woods. I'll try not to leave it another 3 years before I add something fresh.
Absolutely fabulous photos! The variety.....what a treat. Love the knobby trees which conjure such characters: faces, animals, trolls, etc! Gorgeous pond and rose hips and pussy willow too....Love the close up of the Comforts' resting place with all the gorgeous verdant mosses and amazing other growths that have transformed the stone! All in just one visit too. You bring this place to life for me even though I am 6000 miles away, thanks to your wonderful keen observation skills. Thanks too for calling attention to the trash dumping; you really nail it with your poignantly worded truth, and I hope the perpetrator(s) get caught because of your blog and more eyes looking out for bad actors ! Your blog is an international treasure! Cheers dear friend, xx Stella ♥
ReplyDeleteHi Stella.
DeleteThank-you so much for your visit to my blog, and for leaving such an uplifting comment for me. You seem to share my own enthusiasm for observing nature first hand. The 'trash dumping' is becoming an increasing problem unfortunately and the roadside verges on the approach to the woods are even worse. It's beyond my comprehension!
Thankfully, there's plenty on offer for anyone who takes the time to appreciate in these fantastic woods.
JJx