Crab Apples last autumn 2014
The end of 2014 was quite hectic with planting activity taking priority. 15 trees were planted and about 1000 native spring bulbs went in along the verges under the hedges before the extremes of winter weather could prevent any further work.
Now the ground has become unworkable - after only 25mm of rain overnight - about an inch - the river burst its banks today and filled its natural wide river bed to the brim at about 11.00am - but the tide had turned down on the coast at Littlehampton, and the rain had ceased earlier in the morning. By the afternoon the water was quickly receding. With the Arun valley brooks full and the fields saturated, we wait for the low tides to allow the river water into the sea.
The river spreads to fill its natural and ancient river bed, the water
carrying mud from bare fields far upstream.
Looking ahead.
Birds this winter have rapidly finished off most of the available berries and fruits
and are busy on the ivy berries now, which have ripened just in time.
Our aim will be to increase the numbers of native berry and fruit-bearing plants and trees
along the river to sustain wildlife during the autumns and winters and also to increase the pollination corridors, using native blossoming trees and plants and early-flowering spring plants which can provide a continuous source of foraging for pollinating insects such as bees. Insects attracted to plants provide early food for birds too and are an essential energy source for hungry and exhausted spring migrants landing on our shores and making their way inland along the river.
Hawthorn Berries - usually the first to be eaten!
Guelder Rose Berries - usually one of the last to go
There are still some hanging on to the bushes in January
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