Knapp looking beautiful

Have just been to the Knapp and Papermill, the sun was out and the leaf colours on the trees and scattered around the woodland floor are beautiful. Heard ravens overhead and flocks of longtailed tits sip- sip calling as they moved through the orchard trees. There is fruit on the ground in the orchard attracting red admiral butterflies and winter thrushes. I also saw comma butterflies out on Papermill Meadow and speckled woods in the woodland glades.

Helen, Smite

(photo of long-tailed tit by Karen Summers)

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