Colchicum flowers in full bloom

The last week of August saw the peak flowering of Colchicums in Trench Wood and a detailed count showed a 50% increase on last years numbers so the management regime is working well!

John,  Trench Wood warden

Dormice at Trench?

Andy, James and I undertook a nut hunt at Trench Wood on 11^th December but, in spite of carrying our searches of 5 x 20m squares of suitable woodland, we didn't find any dormouse-eaten nuts. However, as we didn't find many nuts at all, it's likely that, in this instance, this method for detecting thes presence of dormice was not so effective. Next year, therefore,  we'll instigate a tube survey to ascertain whether dormice are really absent from this woodland.

Elizabeth

Have you seen this bug?

This vivid red and black hairy plant bug used to be restricted to a few places on the south coast of England but it's now on the move.  

Corisuz hyoscyami (c) Oliver Wadsworth

Worcestershire is being invaded and we would like records please, preferably with a  picture.  

In the last few weeks we have seen them at Hill Court Farm (Longdon),  Trench Wood, Chaddesley Wood and in Redditch so it could turn up anywhere.  Several have been seen on thistles.  The bug feeds on plant juices by sticking its long mouth parts into the stems.    

We've only around ten records over the last couple of years so this is a real newcomer - please keep a look-out and let us know if you see any.  If you could email your sighting and any photos to wendy@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org in the first place that would really help us out.

Many thanks

Harry

Helping butterflies at Trench Wood

We worked in Trench Wood last Sunday to to improve habitat for the white-letter hairstreak.

The elms are marked with tape (photographer: Andrew Curran)

A white-letter hairstreak was recorded in this area in 2009, the first for some years, and a subsequent elm survey found several trees.  The aim of the work last weekend was to clear the elms of surrounding trees, particularly on the south-facing side, to encourage egg-laying.

I am leading a guided walk on Sunday 10th July meeting at the reserve car park at 11.00 am and will be particularly looking for further white-letter hairstreak sightings.   

Mike, Trench Wood

Work party fun

As a rookie volunteer, Claire suggested I blog about the recent taster days I’ve attended, so here goes...

For my first practical experience of conservation work I learnt all about coppicing on a near perfect, sunny day at Trench Wood. Loppers and band-saws in hand, we made the most of the glorious autumnal sunshine; cutting down scrub so that it will grow back denser and create a better habitat for the wildlife. Having greatly enjoyed the day, I then went for a second helping at Devils Spittleful where we cleared more scrub from an area of heathland, this time with the focus on uprooting many of the unwanted saplings. Not only did I discover the difference between Aspen (long, thin, pointed buds) and Silver Birch (short, fat, rounded buds), but I had a very satisfying time learning how to swing a mattock!

It’s hard work – I’ve discovered muscles I didn’t realise existed – but knowing you are making a practical contribution to the preservation of these important habitats more than makes up for a bit of pain!

I’m happy to say I’m hooked and looking forward to getting involved in more work parties for the Trust.

Alison, rookie volunteer

Trench Wood Delights

Trench Wood is looking rather beautiful at the moment! Heading up the main ride and turning to the right you'll spot loads of devil's-bit scabious. This pretty purple flower is attracting late butterflies such as commas and speckled woods.


And I must comment about the great mowing courtesy of our reserves officer James. We've recently had a new mower and it's great! The mower collects the cuttings which saves us the laborious and gigantic task of having to rake and pitchfork it all by hand. And, of course, the piles of cuttings make great habitats for grass snakes, slow-worms and the like.


Neil, Trench Wood