Habitats and Estates updates

Our rush pasture has taken its first big step towards becoming a richer wetland, with two brand-new scrapes created on the reserve. These shallow pools, with their soft muddy edges, are perfect for holding water and are absolute magnets for wildlife.

Scrapes are brilliant breeding grounds for insects and provide vital feeding areas for birds, and this one hasn’t wasted any time. It’s already filled with water and, with a newly created inlet, will help slow the flow from the ditch and keep precious water on the land for longer.

It’s a small change with a big impact, laying the foundations for a thriving wetland habitat that will support wildlife for years to come. We can’t wait to see what species make this their new home.

We have been undertaking some woodland management work in Pond Wood.

This required us to close some routes for public safety.

We always intend to keep closures to a minimum. Please adhere to safety signage and closure barriers wherever you come across them.

The management works included considerable thinning (removal to trees) in some of the woodland younger woodland. This will create woodland glades, allow remaining trees to fill out and encourage growth at the forest floor. Some of the felled trees will be left in situ to create deadwood habitat.

Overall this increases biodiversity in tree species, structure and age. Which in turn promotes biodiversity in its inhabitants.

Our Habitats and Estates team have done some careful reduction of Gorse on our prime butterfly habitat. Gorse is brilliant as shelter and habitat but we want to keep some clear areas for our protected species, the Dingy Skipper. This scarce butterfly needs Bird’s-foot trefoil to lay it’s eggs, taller plants to roost and bare concrete to sun itself. Our volunteers were careful whilst working to not disturb the ground vegetation where the caterpillars overwinter.

We’re looking forward to seeing them hatch in Spring!

We’ve been giving some of our trees a little more breathing space recently.

Along the north perimeter, you’ll spot the old tree tubes that have now been carefully removed. These young trees are strong enough to thrive without them, which is always a lovely milestone to reach.

If you notice the tubes still on site, don’t worry, they’ll be gathered up and cleared very soon.

Finally, the soundtrack of spring in Pond Wood.

A chorus of birdsong drifts through the trees, layered with the gentle croaks and ripples of frog song from the water’s edge.

It’s that magical time of year when the whole woodland feels alive, every branch, every reed, every hidden corner humming with new energy.

If you pause for a moment and simply listen, you’ll hear it , spring, in full voice.

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