Winch Work

My wood contained a particularly tricky tree that I hadn't felt equipped to deal with until now. It was a wind thrown pine that was firmly stuck in a nearby oak and I knew I'd need the right kit before I could tackle it. Apologies for the terrible photo, my phone camera didn't do a great job with the light but here it is!

First up was a slightly longer bar for my chainsaw to help cut the butt from the root base more easily. This worked out but the tree was still firmly stuck. I tried edging the butt backwards using a felling lever but it wasn't going anywhere without a bit more persuasion. I'd recently purchased some rope, pulley and hand winch and was time to put it all to the test. First off I tried roping the base to the winch in a direct line but found that the butt was simply getting pulled into the soft ground as I tried to drag it backwards. I thought this might happen and already had another plan up my sleeve.

Sussex Fungi Group

Jon Need paid us a visit from the Sussex Fungi Group. I had got in touch and suggested they might like to nose around a private woodland. In return I hoped to learn a little more after my recent amateurish efforts. It turned out to be a very worthwhile experience.

Work must begin

I don't remember noticing so many different mushrooms last Autumn but maybe I just wasn't really looking. It's astonishing how many one small patch of woodland can contain. I think this one is Russula ochroleuca or the 'Yellow Brittlegill'.

More Mushrooms

I noticed a few more mushrooms when at the wood. The most striking find was this brightly coloured example.

I believe it is Russula Emetica or it's common name of 'The Sickener' gives you a rather strong clue about its edibility. Eating some of this will likely get you very well acquainted with the toilet bowl.

Mushrooms Are Back

It seems the recent wet weather has spurred the mushrooms to pop up. I'm trying to learn the varieties that are in my wood with the aid of a couple of books. It's a tricky business for sure. This one I think is a Larch Bolete.

Secret Squirrel

When I went camping at the wood recently my nephew spotted a hole in the base of a tree right by the log store. It was small and showed signs of animal activity so I set up the nature camera nearby to see if I could snap a photo of it's resident. To be honest I was expecting it to be a mouse given it's size. I wasn't expecting this.

Camping At The Woods

Myself, brother and nephew spent a night at the woods. After first brewing a cup of tea on my wood stove, we took a tour around wildlife spotting. Reaching the end of the wood we heard a screeching from above to then see a buzzard circling. That screech is an eerie sound, almost like something from Jurassic Park. I guess it is a raptor after all and probably shares some genetics. I'd imagine being small, fluffy and on its menu would be pretty terrifying.