18th February 2023

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. 

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...

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...

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.

Autumn update...

 A short blog update to share some images of autumn 2020. It hasn't been a vintage year, but there are still some wonderful colours (and smells) to partake in should you choose to visit...

Ash dieback work in the woods...

On a visit to Comfort's Wood today it was obvious that Woodland Trust have been busy felling trees affected by Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)...

If you'd like some information on this disease, there's plenty on the WOODLAND TRUST website.

Despite the devastation caused to the woods by the disease and associated  work, there are now signs of spring too..

It's really sad to see the woods looking like this but the trust plan to replant native species in time...

Finally, I found some less troublesome fungi...

The woods are still very wet at this time of year and the recent increase in footfall  has contributed to the muddy areas, especially at the Swattenden Lane entrance.

One final note: I have been seeing an ever increasing amount of litter in the woods, again, mainly from the Swattenden Lane entrance. Drinks bottles and cartons, tissues, empty pill bottles and even discarded tents!