GREENWOOD
Nature and the neighbourhood
October Beech Mast
Posted on October 9, 2022
The seeds of the beech tree are called mast. They are housed in small spikey shells, and the ground is beginning to be littered with them right now. Some are tenaciously clinging onto the outer wind-whipped branches of the trees despite most of the leaves having already been stripped off in blustery weather.
Great Willowherb Seeds
Posted on August 18, 2022
The Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) that stands tall on the riverbank of the Cerne as it flows past the village is now crowned with fluffy clouds of seeds bursting out of the long pods that follow the pink flowers.
A Natural Bird Table 1
Posted on July 15, 2022
A delicious array of seeds developing fast this very hot and dry July in one of the few wilder areas around the village of Charlton Down. Mostly dock, thistle, and various grasses in this particular patch. A veritable feast for the birds.
Hedgerow Spindle Berries
Posted on October 20, 2021
Various stages of development and ripening of the berries borne by the Spindle bush (Euonymous europaeus) seen in hedgerows around the village, notably in the CD Nature Reserve – although they are not so abundant as last year and do not seem to be surviving on the branches for so long. Last year many remained intact and still containing their bright orange seeds into the January frosts.
Willowherb Seeds
Posted on September 18, 2021
Some of the magnificent stands of Great Willow Herb by the River Cerne have survived the recent general bankside maintenance work, and their seed capsules are now opening to release the delicate wind-dispersed seeds. They looked like multiple small cobwebs decorating the tall stalks.
Autumn Silhouettes 1
Posted on September 3, 2021
Thistle flowers going to seed, Hawthorn berries, and Blackberries in the hedgerows, and flowering Stinging Nettles in the fields, on the first official day of Autumn in Charlton Down.
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