Another Tree Falls ~ Ferns

Fortnightly Field Notes From Nature

Another Tree Falls

Another tree has fallen in the winds, and the vulnerable trees really are ready to come down!

This one fell in the direction I expected, causing minimal damage to the surrounding trees. It caught a small hawthorn on the way down and broke it in half, but as the damaged area it is still attached, I’m hoping it will continue to grow. Similar to when laying a hedge, sometimes a damaged or bent tree can find a new way forward. Next spring will tell me whether that is the case here, so in the meantime, I’m simply going to leave it alone and see what happens. The falling poplar also caught the outer branches of a young blackthorn. Again, I have no plans to release them. It might create a different structure as the blackthorn grows under its new shape, and I’m curious to see what develops. As the tree hit the ground, the top half broke up into quite a nice pile of wood. This will be left to do its thing, providing whatever opportunities it brings to the woodland.

On this occasion, there is no clearing or moving to do, which is always a bonus!

Early next year, I’ll be looking at the trees nearer the river. They are beginning to drop their dead branches, and I’ll need to consider whether a high fell might be appropriate to protect the boundary fence and neighbouring land.

For now though, another tree has found its way to the woodland floor, and I’ll be watching to see what happens next.

Ferns for Frowning Sparrow Woods

I have finally got around to researching ferns for Frowning Sparrow Woods, using my 1970s copy of Flora of Essex by Stanley T. Jermyn.

I have a feeling that the local flora had already undergone some significant changes by the time this book was written, so rather than restricting myself to ferns recorded directly within my village, I have included those growing in the surrounding area too.

I won’t reveal what I’ve bought just yet. I’m going to wait until the plants arrive before sharing the varieties, where I intend to plant them and what I hope to achieve.

Hopefully they will arrive very soon, before the ground gets too cold.

More to follow when the ferns arrive!

Behind the Lens

Slow Shutter - Wild Land

Until next time...