More coppicing work for us this week, helping the Rangers at Dicksons Copse, which is situated off Stag Lane alongside the River Medina. Following the recent rain the area was quite muddy, but that did not deter our group of hardy volunteers, who soon got stuck in with saws and loppers to clear the area required. We again managed to make a pile of stakes and heathers to be used in the forthcoming Hedgelaying Competition (Saturday 27 February at Kings Manor Farm), and of course there was our usual bonfire which was soon burning merrily.
Carrie's Nature Lesson
Carrie's Nature Lesson
We found quite a lot of a beautiful lichen (see picture) called Evernia Prunasti, also known as Oakmoss, which is found in many mountainous temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It grows primarily on the trunk and branches of oak trees, but is also found on the bark of other deciduous trees and conifers. The thallus are highly branched resembling the form of deer antlers, and its colour ranges from green to a greenish-white when dry, and dark olive-green to yellow-green when wet.
This species is harvested commercially in south-central Europe, and then sent to France where it is used in the manufacture of fine perfumes. The lichen acts as a fixative for other scents, and also adds a subtle herbal fragrance of its own. Its distinct and complex odour is woody, sharp and slightly sweet.
Many thanks to Carrie for the text and some of the pictures and the remainder were from Eddie.
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