Noticing Nature Blog

Hazel in flower today. The very obvious male catkins, producing masses of wind-dispersed pollen, in the hope that some of it will reach the female flowers. These are the tiny red petalled structures. If fertilised, these will go on to produce seeds, the familiar hazel nuts.

The old oast buildings at Crixhall Court. Dereliction is often good for wildlife. Plenty of useful habitats here. The unchecked ivy will be sheltering overwintering ladybirds, spiders, snails and allsorts. Inside the broken window, piles of mouldering fruit boxes, ideal for hibernating butterflies, like Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells. Loose tiles and dark recesses are ideal for bats. A perfect winter roost for a Barn Owl. Outside, the tangled brambles provide superb shelte

For a donation of £5.00 to a charity that support people who are on the brink of  homelessness and needing legal advice,  Tom of Simply Trees is offering a Christmas tree re-cycling service at the front of St Peter's Church, Aylesham on Saturday, 10 th  January. Please drop off your Christmas tree with your donation .  Collection is also available at a minimum cost of £7.00. The trees will be chipped up and recycled into compost. Please register your interest by texting Tom

Crepidotus sp This tiny but delightful little fungus was growing on a decomposing twig in the churchyard. It's a species in the genus Crepidotus.

Winter plumaged Golden Plover (Library picture) There were 15 golden plovers this morning on the cultivated field between Summerfield and Buckland Lane. Golden plovers breed in upland areas but winter around our coastline and can often be found a little further inland. A few are seen in and around Staple most years. The golden plumage looks lovely in the winter sunshine and helps them to blend in with the cultivated and short-turfed fields they prefer.

The Cattle Egret flock at Great Pedding had risen to between 55 and 60 individuals today. The largest single flock recorded in Kent is 58 at Seaton near Wickhambreaux on 15th November. So, the Staple flock is likely to be the same group moving around the area. These birds now breed in the UK and their population here is growing year on year.