Leaky Dams & Bunny Hunters
Another damp spring day in the woods, but the sun is shining for the most part. A short dramatic public performance is taking place by the Meeting House, but I don't dwell to enjoy it. Instead, I check-out Orchid Glade and the Christmas Tree Field for orchids. I'm delighted to count 27 Twayblades in the Orchid Glade and a further 16 in the Christmas Tree Field. A further 8 Common Spotted Orchids have already appeared in the Orchid Glade. This is already comparable to last year, so the winter felling has had no detrimental effect upon their numbers.
On my way down to check the ponds I chat to three mothers with their kids doing the Bunny Trail. As I walk up behind them the three mothers are taking a selfie.
"Strange man in the photo," says one looking disparagingly at the old photo-bomber behind her.
"There was a day when strange old men would get to be asked to take ladies' photos, now we are all being made redundant.” I tease.
One mother goes on to read the new leaky dam board at the Cross Ride, with her son. It's great to see that the boards are being used to learn about the work we are doing in the woods. I then chat to two pensioners with a grandchild in tow, also doing the Bunny Trail. The chap shares with me his pride at having newts in his garden pond (I don't think to ask him if he feeds them on broccoli!).
Down at the Old Penstock Ponds I discover that the tadpoles are no longer feasting on the food reserves held in their frogspawn and are now foraging all around the pond for bits of algae instead.
Suddenly it comes on to rain and everyone scurries for shelter under some conifers, but it is soon gone. Up at the top of the wood it was noticeable that a few bluebells were in flower (along with the much earlier flowering Wood Anemones). Down at the bottom of the wood the Bluebells must be a week or so behind, where cold spring frosts probably knock them back a little.
It was good to see kids and their adults reading the leaky dam boards, likewise seeing the odd occasion where they have added to one of my dams. It all helps I suppose. Down at Streamside I wonder if it might be worth making the leaky dam there more permanent, by enlarging the stream sides and putting any spoil in the pond above the leaky dam, to retain the water even in the dry summer months. Down here there is every chance that such a pond would retain water all year round. I'll have to discuss the idea with Dan, Emily and Jake to see what they think. I'm sure they'll agree that what is good for the wildlife is good for the woods and of course the wonderful people visiting.