Phil Hemsley from Totnes has won the Devon Hedge Group photo competition for 2011 with his picture ‘The Cauldron’ looking over the Wytchcombe & Yarnacombe vales. Second place went to Graham Woollven from Horrabridge for ‘Lundy Wall’. The judges, Sheila Haycox, Andrew Cooper and Malcom Baldwin said they particularly liked the composition of the stone boundary, … [Read more...] about Devon hedge photo competition – winners announced
hedgerows
Bramble crop concerns scientists
Known by some as the bramble and to others as the blackberry, the small dark fruit found in hedgerows is becoming an essential tool in the recording of changes in our climate. The Woodland Trust has predicted that, although blackberries could ripen early due to the unseasonably warm weather, the crop could suffer this year due to the driest spring across many counties in … [Read more...] about Bramble crop concerns scientists
Snowdrop, crocus and daffodil – signs of spring
Following the dark nights and the freezing conditions of the UK winter, the first signs of spring are starting to appear in our hedgerows and gardens. Birds herald the arrival of the new season from the bare branches of trees, whilst lower down at ground level and poking through the cold damp earth soon will be the snowdrop, crocus and daffodil. Snowdrop Standing … [Read more...] about Snowdrop, crocus and daffodil – signs of spring
Gorse smells of coconut
The ever present bright yellow flowers of Gorse may seem fairly insignificant but the smell can whisk you away to a tropical paradise. Gorse ( Ulex europaeus ) can be found growing along motorway embankments, colonising scrub and hillside and is a common shrub in many UK hedgerows. Although the plant is meant to flower from midwinter to June, our generally milder … [Read more...] about Gorse smells of coconut
The Great Nut Hunt
The third Great Nut Hunt, recording Dormice in the British Isles, is to be launched by The People's Trust for Endangered Species and Natural England. Hazel nuts are a favourite food of the dormouse and can be found growing in our old hedgerows and woodland. As a Dormouse gnaws through into the green hazel nuts, they leave behind very distinctive toothmarks. These … [Read more...] about The Great Nut Hunt