Wednesday 26th February 2025 - Haseley Manor, Arreton GG #1019

 Terry's photos

There was a fabulous display of snowdrops

Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) 

We were working at Haseley Manor this week, cutting back the willows growing along the margins of the ponds on the site.  We worked firstly along the northern banks of the ponds to the west of the site and subsequently the southern bank of the eastern pond.  The willow was cut about a foot above ground level, so that the stumps can be treated.  The cut material was stacked into habitat piles. 

The ground was very wet and boggy and shortly after we started there was heavy rainfall.  After this initial downpour we all dried out only to receive another soaking!  Sloshing around in mud and on uneven ground was hard work!

Finally, an oldie but a goodie - the following clip gives us an idea on how to traverse the waterways at Haseley Manor on our next visit - turn the sound on and enjoy!

River Jump Fail - YouTube

Nature note - The unusual red fungi are Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) which are "bright red cups with short stems. It can be seen in late winter and early spring on fallen twigs and branches (often Hazel, Elm and Willow), usually buried under moss. It is reasonably widespread, but not very common. It is mostly found in damp, shady areas." 

www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/fungi/scarlet-elfcup

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to Sue for the nature note.

Wednesday 19th February 2025 - Merstone Stream, Blackwater GG #1018

 Terry's photos

This week we were at a venue normally visited in the summer – the Merstone Stream in Blackwater.  This is a prime site for Himalayan Balsam and our work today was to aid our efforts in the summer.  We worked along the banks of the stream cutting back brambles and this will enable access to the HB later in the year.  Three of our team braved the stream itself (one discovering his wellies weren’t quite as waterproof as expected!)  and cut the brambles growing at water level and arching over the stream.  All cut material was piled on the verge of the cycle track where there was more space and it will eventually break down.  Finally, the cycle track was swept clear of any debris.

Thanks to Terry for the photos and to Trevor for the cakes.

Wednesday 12th February 2025 - Little Appley Wood, Appley, Ryde GG #1017

 Terry's photos

This week we were working in Little Appley Wood assisting Tony, the IWC Tree Officer with maintenance of this woodland.  This is an area on the south east corner of Appley Park.  This woodland has remnants of ancient woodland within it and has several mature oak trees.  Sadly these woods have been neglected for quite a while and become overgrown with bay and cherry laurel.  Tony and his colleague set to with the chain saw and our job was to process the unwanted trees and shrubs.  By the end of the session a mighty dead hedge had been created and the area opened up.

See link for further information regarding Appley Park - The history of Appley Park – Friends of Appley

Thank you to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 5th February 2025 - Munsley Bog GG #1016

 Terry's photos

This week we were at a favourite winter site – Munsley Bog.  This is managed by Gift to Nature who have, over the last year or so, done a lot of work on this interesting site.  The willow has been eradicated and the site opened out.  It is now a much boggier site, doing its job and living up to its name.  Three of the team sank into boggy ground unintentionally! 

We were raking and collecting the cut bracken and grasses and piling them onto a dead hedge created along the western boundary.  Jon, the Ranger, was working within the trees and the felled wood formed the base of the dead hedge.  This site is worth visiting during the summer months to see the plant and insect life and the lizards basking on the boardwalk.

See link - Munsley Bog - Gift To Nature

Thanks to Terry for the photos.