Nature Notes Nature Notes for the month
With the recent frosts followed by strong winds and torrential rain, winter has truly arrived. Very few leaves remain on the trees and their skeletal shapes are laid bare for all to see. Any fungi that was flourishing will have been killed off by the frosts although some, such as wood blewit, will continue to fruit well into December. It is a common species with a catholic taste in habitat, ranging from woodland (both broad leaved and coniferous), hedges, parklands and even compost heaps. Growing to between 5 and 10cm with a broad cap of up to 15cm diameter, the violet brown convex caps flatten as the fungus matures and will eventually become concave. The general distinguishing feature is the violet or lilac tinge to the stem, gills and the cap; the colour persisting even as the fungi matures and dies. It is generally found in small clumps.
In the countryside, evergreens which we use to decorate our houses at Christmas are much more prominent in the bare hedgerows. Ivy is a wonderful source of food for birds at this time; not only are the berries being taken by blackbirds and woodpigeons, there are still flowers present which attract insects and even the odd bee or butterfly on mild days. Holly berries are devoured with relish by marauding flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares, the heavy crop in my garden having nearly disappeared already. They will turn their attentions to the hawthorns once the holly and rowan berries have gone. Mistletoe is quite scarce in Devon, particularly in South Hams but it can be found in old orchards in the east of the county and seems to become much more common in Somerset and Gloucestershire. Teasel stems are also quite prominent in clusters in hedgerows and on grass verges where the ground has been disturbed which allows the plant to
Wood blewit
get a foothold. The seeds are very much favoured by goldfinches, which should also be appearing at bird tables in the garden; they are attracted by niger seed and sunflower hearts. ey being one of the best.
What to look for in December December is a good time to see wildfowl. Thurlestone and South Huish marshes and Slapton Ley are good
spots to see teal, shoveler, gadwall and the occasional more unusual species like long tailed duck or scaup. Look for wintering blackcaps visiting bird tables and
Waxwing
wintering black redstarts on the coast. Beaches are favoured haunts where they can pick insects from rotting seaweed. Waxwings have poured into Britain this autumn with many thousands having been sighted in Scotland. They are slowly making their way south and some are expected to turn up in Devon. Nearest sightings so far have been the Mendips and Bristol. Look for them on any berry crops such as cotoneaster, firethorn and fruiting tress often found in supermarket car parks.
The Green Brigade Garden Maintenance & Landscaping
All types of gardening and
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Waste Removal: household or garden including TVs, old furniture, bicycles & batteries
Charlie Bond 07976 139388
charlie@thegreenbrigade.co.uk
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