Sunday 12 December 2021

November - Autumn leaves at last!

A brilliant turnout on a brilliant day - our meet on Sunday 28th November 2021 took place on a fine sunny day but cold, with patches of ice in places. The sun had brought out the birds which lost no time in foraging rapidly through the trees, where even the oaks were losing leaves now.


Most leaves on this tough old oak were turning yellow  and some 
very small leaf buds were appearing but there was no sign of any acorns.
Fallen leaves did not pose a problem for the group. Left where they fall, 
leaves provide habitat for insects and protect the ground underneath
from frost and ice. Most birds and small mammals instinctively 
throw leaves aside, scrabble and dig underneath in order to uncover
insects and spiders, a rich source of food.

The group, including very welcome visitors, went for the worst areas for litter and discarded rubbish
and made short work of the task whilst two of the group continued with the ongoing survey of possible candidates for the ancient and veteran tree inventory in the district. Plans are being made for the planting of more hedgerow trees in the late winter to fill existing gaps.




 


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