Bel's Wood

It is National Tree week in the UK from from 25th November - 3rd December so I have decided to blog about some of my favourite trees. Check back in to see the other blogs which celebrate trees during National Tree Week. This one is a bit different. W hen I first researched developing a new woodland I came to the conclusion that dead wood should remain where it fell having read a great deal about woods and forests.           This project would not include coppicing or providing wood for burning off site - I would burn some when up there but that's all.  I would leave fallen trees where they landed and allow the wood to decay and return the nutrients in the wood to return to the earth. I may need to tackle trees in particular instances. This lovely oak came down in Storm Arwen in November 2021 and fell across a neighbour's fence. I tried to cut it back sufficiently that the new deer fence could be erected but the crown did need to be cut to create space....

Having done 4 blogs on different themes this month I thought I would do a generic one with some recent pics and video footage that I have captured later in the month. It has been hot and dry and the beck retained very little water. It is interesting to see the areas that remained boggy and these will be the best to convert into scrapes to try and have standing water all year round. There are flowers flourishing and insects buzzing. The aim will be to increase the range and quantity over time through planting a wider range of species and keeping rides open particularly in south facing areas.                 White tailed bumblebee                                    Green vein butterfly - female Red deer browsing Young red deer bouncing! (wait for it!)                Less stitchwort   ...