33 ASH DIEBACK


Ash dieback is currently threatening to severely affect or kill over 90 % of ash trees. With the ash tree being the third most common trees in the UK after oak and birch, the effect could be devastating particularly in Devon’s wooded landscapes.


This disease, also known as Chalara, is caused by a fungus which affects the vascular system of ash trees, inhibiting the tree’s ability to draw nutrients up into its upper branches. The disease was first recorded in the UK in 2012 having been inadvertently imported on ash saplings.


How to identify Chalara? • Black/browning leaf, often spreading down the stem • Small blackened hanging branches • Lesions, spots and cankers appear on the bark • Crown dieback


If you suspect you have an case of Ash dieback on your property visit www.devonashdieback.org.uk and follow the advice on the Infected trees : Do’s and don’ts.


WILDLIFE & NATURE EVENTS


WEEKENDS DEER PARK DISCOVERY TRAIL Dartington Deer Park A unique experience helping to feed the deer herd at Dartington. Learn about the deer’s ecology in close proximity of these magnificent animals and hear how they fit into the con- servation model at Dartington. Book online. Dartington.org


15 – 23 FEBRUARY TRAVELLING TREES TRAIL Greenway This half term come and travel the world through the trees in the garden at Greenway. Fun, family-oriented self-led trail. 10.30am – 5pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk


21 & 22 FEBRUARY LAMBING & KIDDING LIVE Daynes Farm, Harberton, Totnes Drop in to see the ewes and lambs, nannys and kids at Daynes Farm. Walk around the sheep/ goat shed, and maybe witness a new lamb or kid being born! 5 – 7.30pm. Contact: daynesfarm@ gmail.com


Catkins


Catkins are popping up everywhere and are easy to spot on the otherwise bare branches of trees before the leaves open.


● Catkins vary in size and colour and grow on many different trees in the UK – Hazel, alder, silver birch, oak and willow.


●They are long, slim flowers which often have no petals.


● Catkins allow trees to reproduce releasing pollen into the wind in February/March.


● Some trees have male flowers on one tree and female flowers on another tree. Others, such as alder and hazel have male and


female flowers on the same tree.


Hazel


24 FEBRUARY KINGSBRIDGE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY MEETING West Charleton village hall 7.30pm - Dartmoor wildlife and photography. www.knhs.org


29 FEBRUARY BEACH CLEAN Soar Mill Cove 11am. For further details, contact Penny Fenton (e-mail: penny545@googlemail.com or tele- phone: 01548 561539).


1 MARCH TREE CARE DAY Come and help take care of the trees on the Sharpham Estate. 10am to 3.30pm. If you’re interested in getting involved on the day please RSVP to Lisa at outdoors@sharphamtrust.org


8 MARCH CITiZan WALKING WORKSHOP Start Bay The first of a series of walking workshops to record our coastal heritage prior to its inevita- ble erosion. 9am – 4pm. Free but pre-booking essential. Contact: gbettinson@mola.org.uk


23 MARCH KINGSBRIDGE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY MEETING West Charleton village hall 7.30pm Management of Devon Wildlife Trust Reserves


Willow


Alder tree rounded female catkins and the longer, thinner male catkins


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68