Bel's Wood

This time last year we were experiencing drought conditions and the beck was at a standstill. I delayed planting for a year to try and get on top of the bracken. I’m not completely convinced that that worked but it means the trees went in the ground this January and there has been rain most days since then. Even on sunny days we have had a splash of rain overnight and everything has been growing well including the saplings. May 2024 and this dipper is loving the flowing water I am beginning to learn the 13 new species of trees planted. I am also learning the differences between species as to how quickly they grow and when they start.  The first away were the Spindle. These appeared above the tree guards rapidly and are easy to spot as they are planted in narrow bands along the butterfly rides and a few paths to give a bush sized plant before the big trees start.    Spindle April ‘24 Spindle June ’24 all above the tree guards and now in the sunshine  as the bracken ha...

I find myself willing time to slow down as we move into spring. I love to look at the skeletal trees on the skyline opposite the wood. While responding with excitement to the new leaves emerging I feel a pang of loss of winter. As the days have lengthened I have heard the bird song increase and become more insistent. And then the first queen bumblebees emerged looking for their nests. The willow is always first with its catkins and bumble and honeybees flock there.        The camera was triggered by nothing that appeared on screen  but I have included as the bird song is caught nicely so sound on for this one The gorse does fabulous work at this time of year being abundant and the yew trees are flowering now too which is leading to a buzz in the air.                                   Gorse                  ...