Noticing Nature Blog

Bee Orchid leaf rosette I counted 25 Bee Orchid leaf rosettes in one small area of the Miller Woodland Trust site in Chalkpit Lane today. They have appeared in this same spot in previous years but in smaller numbers. It remains to be seen whether or not they reach the flowering stage of course. Lizard Orchid leaf rosette The Lizard Orchid at the same site has also reappeared for the 4th year.

During the course of this week thousands, of what appear to be, native species hedging plants have been planted around the field behind Church Farm in The Street. Standard oak trees are going in at intervals. This is a 22 acre field. This will be a significant boost for nature in Staple. A section of the newly planted hedgerow-looking towards Buckland Lane

Is this the only Gorse (Ulex europaeus) plant in the Staple area? I'd love to know. Gorse, of course, thrives on acid heaths on well-drained sandy soils. Being a leguminous plant, bacteria in nodules on the roots of Gorse, manufacture nitrate fertilizers which enables the plant to be successful on nutrient poor soils. This plant is growing not far from the footpath from Crixhall Court towards Goodnestone. The soil here is heavy, neutral to alkaline and relatively poorly drain

It's estimated by Clean Up Britain that 25 million Red Bull cans are littered annually in the UK. That actually translates to an aluminium scrap value of at least £250,000! Not to mention the complete waste of tonnes of useful recycleable metal. Oh why, oh why haven't we got a deposit return scheme? Rant over, but it's disheartening to see this one in the isolated pond on the way over to Goodnestone-they get everywhere. Interesting though to see this pond so full. It doesn't

A monthly round-up of bird sightings in and around Staple. Woodcock (Library picture:Woodland Trust) Birds in January: On the 2nd, a female Marsh Harrier was over the cover crop near Crixhall Court. It was a cold on the 3rd so it was a surprise to see 2 Chiffchaffs warming up in the early morning sunshine. They were in the Lime tree at the corner of the horse paddock at Great Pedding Farm. Chiffchaffs overwinter in small numbers and 2 more were seen in the hedgerow towards