Owl Box Refurbishment

I thought I should clear out the owl boxes before the spring, after discovering last years residents were hornets or possibly just common wasps, I'm still not totally sure. Not that I really object to them using the boxes but it would be great to see if an owl would nest in one at least. It's possible it's a hornets nest as they are common in the south and prefer wooded habitats. I should have taken a photo of them when I discovered them initially a few months ago but I was somewhat surprised to find them and being up a ladder it was not really my top priority to stop to take snaps!

Apparently they are docile creatures despite their reputation but might become aggressive if you disturb their nests and have a nasty sting. Hornets are brown and yellow rather than the black/yellow wasps that can be annoying in the garden in summer. Particularly pub gardens!

Bough Down

What with the snowy weather and end of year festivities I haven't been down to the wood for a while. Happily it seemed to get through the recent snow without any noticeable damage. There was a large oak bough that had come down before the cold weather set in, which needed sorting out so I set it about it with the chainsaw.

Buzzzzz

I thought it was time I had a look at the two owl boxes, that put up last winter, to see if there was any evidence of residents.  Here's a photo of the more elaborate version with a perch. There was definitely sign of occupancy but not what I had hoped for.

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.