Some pictures of the wonderful flora that are supported within the woodland. All images copyright the author.
Plant life
The deep cork-like patterns of holm oak bark Quercus ilex
The wild cherry Prunus avium. Recently “discovered” in several locations in the wood and then uncovered to allow it to flourish.
A self-seeded field maple Acer campestre protected with a tree guard to encourage growth.
A self-seeded bird cherry Prunus padus in the deer/rabbit exclosure and not in need of protection. This is the first bird cherry in the wood. The seed would have arrived by….a bird.
The tiny purple flower of the common ash tree Fraxinus excelsior
The delicate flower of the oak Quercus robur.
The spindle tree Euonymus europaeus in flower.
“Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye… it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.“ Edvard Munch
January 2018 windfall landing precisely between two oaks to hit the ground. Superb 50cm trunk for planking (sometime).
Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis at the edge of a pond in January
English bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta and wood anenome Anemone nemorosa in spring. Spanish bluebells are removed when found to prevent hybridisation.
More wood anenome. Strong indicator plants of an ancient woodland.
A bluebell carpet in the evening sun.
Early purple orchid Orchis mascula flowering in late April.
Beautiful delicate pignut Conopodium majus. This one has edible tubers.
Greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea brightening the wood in spring.
Yellow archangel Lamium galeobdolon is a native of local woodlands. These were transplanted into the wood this spring to encourage species diversity.
The male fern Dryopteris filix-mas. In the wood there is no competition from the all-conquering bracken.
The enemy. Small balsam Impatiens parviflora covering the whole of the woodland floor. You can eat the leaves and seeds though.