Lichens Toft Wood

I 'upgraded' my android phone recently  (courtesy of eBay) as my previous one only had 32GB memory which was proving difficult to run the ID apps that are so useful for naturalists these days. Although still a 2019 model, this one has more memory and a much better camera so tried it out on some lichens in our local wood - the first four images including the first image which is two related species Lecidella elaeochroma and Lecanora chlarotera that are common on the ash tree trunks. Certainly the close up mode will be very useful for small specimens such as the minute Collembolids in a piece of rotten wood. The last four images are from the Lumix full-spectrum camera. The Hazel catkins are beginning to flower while the wood itself still looks very autumnal. 

ps. those who know Phil will be glad to hear he now has my old phone and so is officially 'Smart' .

Windy Walk on Royston Heath

I walked across Royston Heath, through the Beechwoods and back along the edge of the golf course this morning admiring the winter trees and wind-swept clouds. As with my hunt for flowers in bloom in Toft on January 1st, I found only a single dandelion and small patches of Groundsel though the Hazel catkins are in full flower

 

Toft Wood Spring Update

The trees and bushes are just beginning to come into leaf and bloom on my local walk around Toft wood and fields. The Blackthorn and Willow have been out for a couple of weeks and now the Ash and other trees and bushes are showing signs of life.

A Sharp Frost

Some closeups from yesterday's sharp frost starting with some prickly characters. The bright red Hazel female flowers stood out especially well in the misty grey conditions; the yellow male catkins contrasted with the deep red alder male catkins. The female Alder flowers are in 'bloom' much later when the catkins open.

Sign of Early Spring

Not surprisingly with the mild weather so far this winter, the hazels are already in full flower with the male catkins and the small female flowers. Image 2 is an in-camera focus stack. All our fields around Toft are waterlogged at the moment and the paths very muddy!!

Toft Millenium Wood - 17 Years of Growth

Toft wood is a community wood planted in 2000. Here is one of the 40 oak trees that I planted on a very wet day in 2000. They are growing well alongside the Hazel and Alder bushes. Our 4-month puppy Ted enjoyed a walk along the Drift - always a favourite walk with our dogs.