Winter Work Rewards

Sunday, December 4th 2016

Risedale Beck is our spring flower area.  The work on the banks must be completed before the New Year, so that the new leaves beginning to grow do not get damaged.  Coppicing the trees and removing some of the Brambles will allow more light and air to reach the ground so encouraging the spring flowers.  Open areas and glades will be ideal for many invertebrates.

Spring flowers to watch for include Primroses.  These have been recorded in November, but so far this year, none have appeared.

Bluebells can cover areas along the beckside, making it look blue rather than green.  Their nodding flower heads are a source of food for bees and other insects. 

Greater Stitchwort is also to be found in the areas where we have been working.  Many small insects are attracted to these flowers.

Wood Anemones open their petals when the sun shines and close them when it goes in.  We have to look carefully for this flower when we carry out the flower walk as it can be easily missed.  Over the last two or three years they have not been as numerous.  Hopefully they will benefit from the winter work.

Near the viewing platform on the wetland some Early Purple Orchids grow.  We usually count about 10.  Clearance in this area and further along may give this flower some opportunity to spread its range.

A butterfly that likes open glades, where the sun can reach, is the Speckled Wood.

All we have to do now is wait for the spring to enjoy the rewards of our Winter Worky Days!

---

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

---

Leave a Comment:

There are some errors in your form.

* Name: Please complete this field, it's required. * Email: Your email address will not be displayed but it's required. URL: * Leave a Comment:

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

---

Back to Top