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The National Forest

The National Forest

by Chris, 21 April, 2011, 2 comments

The Countryside Commission had the idea of creating a new ‘National Forest’ in 1987 – to give a tangible expression of the benefits of trees and woodlands.  It also has a practical role in terms of demonstrating the importance of carbon fixation (through photosynthesis) and the importance of this in the amelioration of climate change. The National Forest was and is a bold project, focusing on some 200 square miles of central England (parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire).  The area includes farmland and the relics of coalfields & mineral workings, with some pockets of ancient woodland – for example, Charnwood Forest to the east and Needwood Forest to the west. A map of the area of the National Forest can be seen here . Read more...
The rabbit - an introduced species?

The rabbit – an introduced species?

by Lewis, 18 February, 2011, 5 comments

Whilst rabbit bones and teeth are found at various U.K. archaeological sites that date back to ‘warm’ inter-glacial periods, none have been found at Iron Age, Roman or even Anglo-Saxon sites.  This suggests that the (European) rabbit did not survive the last Ice Age in the British Isles; therefore the rabbit is an introduced species (see previous blog / post). The Romans imported domesticated rabbits but there is scant evidence that any Roman rabbits escaped to the countryside and established themselves.  Apparently, there is no mention of the rabbit in the Domesday Book – which recorded most things! Read more...
Hedges, hedgerows ......

Hedges, hedgerows ……

by Lewis, 11 February, 2011, 6 comments

Why do hedgerows exist?  Many were originally planted to contain livestock (sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens), others existed to define boundaries – who owned which parcels of land.  Hedges often delineate fields; field is derived from the old English feld which means an area of felled trees.  However, hedge construction and management was particularly associated with the process of enclosure, which transformed the landscape of England.  This was often connected with the change of land use - from arable to pasture for sheep.  Read more...
The Big Garden Birdwatch

The Big Garden Birdwatch

by Chris, 28 January, 2011, 0 comments

This weekend (29th & 30th January) sees the the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch.  You can sign up here to take part. What is needed ? an hour of your time a pen or pencil some paper or a print out of the RSPB's bird ID sheet a place to observe (garden / local park) Read more...
Invasions and introductions…

Invasions and introductions…

by Lewis, 19 January, 2011, 3 comments

The native community of the U.K. is limited when compared to continental Europe.  The last Ice Age saw vast, thick glaciers covering much of Scotland and the Lake District, and all parts of the U.K. experienced a deep and long lasting arctic climate.    Plants and animals could only repopulate the land as and when the glaciers retreated and the climate improved. Such movement was possible whilst the U.K. was still connected to Europe (Doggerland see the blog on “Our Changing Flora” ).  However, about 9500 BC, a giant flood broke through the ‘rock dam’ in the region of the Straits of Dover.  The flood washed away billions of tons of material creating the English Channel and separating the U.K. from Europe. Read more...
Weather and climate ......

Weather and climate ……

by Chris, 25 December, 2010, 6 comments

Books often describe our climate as being ‘mild for the latitude’.  It might be difficult to believe this given the actual weather over these last few weeks. Newfoundland is similar in latitude to the British Isles, but the average temperature is some 10oC colder in winter.  We are the beneficiaries of the warming effect of the North Atlantic Drift – a current that develops in the Gulf of Mexico and then flows north-east across the Atlantic. It is a part or continuation of the Gulf Stream but we are also at the mercy of the jet stream. Read more...
Ancient woodland part 2

Ancient woodland part 2

by Chris, 2 December, 2010, 0 comments

The wholesale destruction of ancient woodland through farming and forestry has diminished but new roads,  bypasses and the installation of infra-structure & services (such as utilities & power lines) can still be a problem.  In recent times, new or different threats to ancient woodlands have emerged to upset the balance of woodland ecosystems. In the 1960’s and early 70’s concern focussed on the effects of air and acid rain pollution .  Such pollution was characterised by the deposition of sulphur dioxide and its derivatives (sulphuric & sulphurous acid), plus various nitrogen oxides. Read more...
Ancient woodland

Ancient woodland

by Chris, 24 November, 2010, 4 comments

  In the U.K. about 11.8% of the land is covered by forest, (Thomas and Packham, Ecology of Woodlands and Forests). The amount of ancient woodland, within this, is very low.  Ancient woodland is also fragmented and dispersed. Ancient woodland is a term that is applied to areas where trees have been present in the landscape for many hundreds of years, not necessarily as great continuous tracts but as discrete plots or areas. Read more...

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