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Blog
First signs of spring in nature
Spring is a glorious time in nature with new leaves, bright blooms and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start and what are the key signs to look for?
Charlie Mellor • 19 Feb 2021
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Trees woods and wildlife
Wood mouse
Despite being one of our most common woodland mammals, the small, sweet and secretive wood mouse is hard to spot. They feast on nuts, seeds and invertebrates and are an important food source for larger mammals and birds of prey.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Bearded tooth fungus
Tufty and beard-like, this rare and legally protected fungus has a reputation for easing dementia.
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Blog
Foraging in April: edible wild plants to harvest
April is the time to look out for fresh new greens and herbs to give your food a seasonal springtime boost. Here are seven easy-to-identify edible herbs and plants to look out for.
Helen Keating • 27 Apr 2023
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Trees woods and wildlife
Willow, osier
Strong, neat and bendy, osier willow is the best of the best for basket weaving. It’s not only a source of food and shelter for native wildlife, it can even decontaminate soils it is planted on!
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Blog
Dawn Chorus: why do birds sing in the morning?
Learn why birds sing in the morning and other facts about the dawn chorus.
James Martin • 19 Apr 2019
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Trees woods and wildlife
Pendulous sedge
Attractive, strong, damp-lover. Spot pendulous sedge swooning in damp woodland and river banks. It’s useful in a pinch, with edible seeds and strong leaves that can be made into rope and matting.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Greater stitchwort
Pretty, star-like and abundant along hedgerows. These plants have an explosive seed-dispersal mechanism. Disturb a large patch of them in summer and they go off like fireworks.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common striated feather-moss
Cushions of feathery green moss strewn nonchalantly over the woodland floor, common striated feather-moss is one cool customer. It brings colour to shady places and it is a characteristic of old ash woodlands in particular.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Bramble
Hardy and determined, the bramble uses powerful roots to grow rapidly in almost any environment. Look out for juicy blackberries in the summer to make the most of this countryside favourite.