Noticing Nature Blog

The excellent gardening team at Goodnestone Park Gardens have been at it again. A length of beech hedge was removed as it was struggling in a low light area of the gardens. Instead of burning the waste, it has been transformed into a superb dead-hedge. The irregular stems form an interlocking web, ideal for hibernating insects and probably for nesting birds next spring. A great example of nature-friendly gardening. An excellent dead-hedge at Goodnestone Park Gardens

Ferns on the church walls this morning in the rain. Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) and Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) Wall Rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria)

A Year in the Churchyard 2025 After the planned felling of three trees at the east end of the church in October, three members of SWFV purchased and planted replacements. Four trees, a Hawthorn, a Crab Apple, a Hornbeam and a Mulberry were planted in the front of the church adjacent to the road. These will provide flowers in spring and fruits in autumn for visiting wildlife as well making the churchyard more attractive for church visitors. Six Guelder Roses (Viburnum) and a H

A monthly round-up of bird sightings in and around Staple. Birds in November: Winter visitors are arriving. On the 2nd, a Merlin  zipped across a field at Summerfield searching for prey in the shape of Linnets  and Meadow Pipits which are common here. The area around the stream at Great Pedding can be particularly interesting at this time of the year. A Kingfisher flew downstream here on the 5th. This is only the second time I’ve seen one here. They breed not far away on th

A lovely little ecosystem on this box tomb lid at the church.

A couple of attractive fungi in the woods today. Jelly Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) growing on a dead Elder branch and Candle-snuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon). Jelly Ear Fungus Candlesnuff Fungus