Planting, Fedging and Spring Flowers

Volunteers found themselves planting the final few trees this morning.  Much to their delight there were only about 50 left, and within an hour or so they were all in the ground.

A few decaying Silver Birch have been felled along the heathland edge, both to help manage the encroachment of woodland onto the heathland and to open up the area on the top of the south-facing bank which has a rich ground flora.  The brash from this was used this afternoon to rebuild an old dead hedge between the heath and one of the net rides.  The hard work of the volunteers on this task has really improved the look of the area.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage was seen in flower today.  This moisture loving plant was seen on the shady banks of a stream.  Interestingly the flowers of this plant lack petals, but are surrounded by their golden sepals and yellowish leaves.  As each day passes more and more flowers are appearing with several Primroses also seen today, as well as the leaves of Bluebells and Lords and Ladies pushing up through the earth.