A study has found that by leaving patches of common ryegrass to go to seed instead of cutting for silage, birds have an abundant supply of seeds to last them through the winter. The survey was funded by Defra and published in the journal; Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Small birds like yellowhammers and reed buntings often suffer from a lack of seed food … [Read more...] about Lifeline for struggling farmland birds
Early Spring
Female Hazel Flower
We are all familiar with the male catkins of the Hazel but be on the lookout for the less obvious bright pink female flower. Catkins are the long pendant like clusters of yellow/green flowers which hang like earrings from the bare branches of the Common Hazel (Coylus Avellana). The female flowers of the Hazel are much harder to see, being enclosed in a tiny brown bud … [Read more...] about Female Hazel Flower
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