Unusual hazard warning

Seen in Portishead.

At least we haven't got THIS problem...

Report from Work Morning 1st March

Some of the volunteers and just SOME of the rubbish. Photo by Isabel Ryan.

We had a very successful and well attended workday on Sunday, removing a lot of rubbish from the Reserve. Much of the rubbish was left from heavy public use during the snow, but we took the opportunity to get deep into some of the thickets to remove bottles and other debris as well.

We also removed the best part of 100 yards of barbed wire, the remains of old fences.

While we were working on the Reserve a steam loco went past - the Oliver Cromwell, on an excursion to South Wales.


Photo by Tim Fairhead

Spring has sprung (maybe)

According to the Met Office, today (1st March) is the first day of spring. But another definition puts it at the night of 20/21 March, the vernal equinox, when day and night are of equal length. Anyway, it's a lovely day at Wapley. Lots of green shoots all over the place, and the first cowslips.

And the rooks are getting territorial - we saw them chasing a buzzard off this morning. The buzzard had had the temerity to stray across the road and over the Common, and the rooks launched in defence. The first rook buzzed the buzzard and nearly put its talons through its head feathers. The buzzard took one look at the attack squadron of another dozen rooks following behind, and headed straight back to the safety of the farmland.

Work morning next Sunday, March 1st

Just a reminder that the next Wapley Bushes Conservation Group work morning will be on Sunday, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. Please come along and help us. We will be doing general conservation work and tidying up and possibly some planting too.

Please wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. To find out more please ring Paul on 01454 315851 or Isabel on 01454 313055.

Temporary building, no planning permission required!

Igloo at Wapley Common

Snow over Wapley

(Photos by Richard and Margaret Hulbert)

Conservation volunteers work with Europe to defeat elm disease

Over the last few decades Dutch Elm Disease, a fungus spread by bark beetles, has devastated the British elm population to the extent that many people have never seen a live mature elm tree.

Now however a multinational project involving a site near Yate may hold the key to repopulating elms in the UK. Members of the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group discovered a a native Wych Elm on the reserve that has remained unaffected by the disease, and they have have sent seeds from to the French national State Forestry Nursery for analysis to assess the extent of disease resistance.

The aim of the European project is to identify types of elm that are resistant to the disease so that eventually the resistant specimens can be planted out to repopulate the European countryside and help the many species that are dependent upon elms.

Tim Fairhead of the Conservation Group explains “In return we received seeds from ancient elm trees in a French Nature Reserve, and these were grown on at Portsmouth University. These particular trees contain high levels of unique bark compounds that deter feeding by the beetles so they are less likely to get infected in the first place. We hope these trees will go on to provide a resource and home for threatened and vulnerable species like the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly”

Volunteers from the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group are shown planting out the resistant saplings on Dodington Parish Council land at Wapley Bushes, together with South Glos Councillors Linda Boon and Claire Young. This is the only elm repopulation project of its type in the South West and one of only four sites in the UK.

Cllr Linda Boon said “It’s good to see such a significant initiative by a local volunteer group. Local groups like this are key to running our local nature reserves, together with support and expert advice from South Gloucestershire’s Environment Department”

Cllr Claire Young said “This is really good news. A whole generation has grown up who only know elms as dead tree skeletons in hedgerows. If this works we can start to repopulate the country’s landscape”

(Photo by Isabel Ryan)

Landmark tree goes

Many of you will know the burnt-out tree near the bridge between the two meadows. We kept it as long as we could, but large holes started opening up in the base. An expert checked it out for us and advised us that it would soon become dangerous, so it had to be cut down. We've left the base as a feature. Other less drastic work will be taking place to keep trees in the main woodland in good order. (Photo by Isabel Ryan)

Report of work morning 11/01/09

We spent a good morning coppicing, removing excess growth of self-seeded ash. We noticed some young trees whose bark had been stripped by deer - see photo. There was a good attendance - thanks to everyone who helped.

Work morning Sunday 11 January - come and join in!

On Sunday we're going to be doing coppicing - traditional woodland management - and some other maintenance tasks. Please come and help, no experience necessary. We're meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. You'll need to wear suitable footwear and warm clothing. Tools will be provided. You can ring Paul for details on 01454 315851, or just turn up on the day. Picture taken from Wyre Borough Council's Rural Skills pages.

Unable to contact us?

It appears that there is a problem contacting the Conservation Group through the address on our website. We'll look into this, but in the meantime please feel free to email us on paul.hulbert@gmail.com.

Season's Greetings from Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve!

Report of work morning 09/11/08

Our main target this morning was to clear out the stream that runs down through the wood at times of heavy rain. If we didn't keep it clear it would overflow and part of the wood would start to become marshy.

On our way up to the stream we found that this tree had been blown down over the path during the strong winds last night. Still, it was nothing that a good saw couldn't cure.

Our next work morning will be on Sunday Jan 11th 2009, meeting at 10 am at the gate off Shire Way, Yate. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our first video!

A quick look at some current work and issues in the Lower Meadow.

Please don't forget to join us on our workday next week, Monday 9 November. We're meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10 am. Please wear wellies - we'll provide any necessary tools. See you there!

Rained off...

Unfortunately our work morning on 31 August was rained off. There had been some heavy downpours, and as we we intending to do stream clearing it would have been dangerously slipperly.

Never mind - there are more work mornings planned:
Sunday Nov 9th 2008
Sunday Jan 11th 2009
Sunday March 1st 2009

On each occasion we will be meeting at 10.00 am at the Shire Way gate. Please watch this space for more details.

Wapley Bushes - come and help, Sunday 31 August

The Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is meeting on Sunday 31 August at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. We will be doing some general conservation work such as tidying up a small stream that is the habitat of a very rare plant. (No, not this one - this is just one of the Lords and Ladies arums)

Please come along and help! Tools are provided, but you'll need to wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. If you would like more details please ring Paul on 01454 315851, but you can just turn up on the day.

Report from 27 June workday

Just a very quick Wapley update - we had a very successful workday. We cleared overhanging branches from around meadows and paths and used the brash (the cut branches) to rebuild the dead hedge at the bottom of path - it looks good now.

We have also recently measured out the woodland ride path, which needs improvement to stop it getting so muddy after rain. We are also likely to have two informal rest stops as well. The next steps will be getting detailed quotations and applying for funding.

Tadpoles ahoy, and report from workday 18/05/08

Mary, Dave and Val cropping overhanging branches

A good workday today. We concentrated on removing small stumps and regrowth from the field edges that the contractor cleared for us a few months ago, so that the grass can be cut without damage to the cutter blades. Even so they will have to set the blades very high, but it will stop the blackthorn and other species from invading the meadow again. We also cut back some overhanging branches so that the tractor can get right in close to the hedges.

On our way round we stopped to look at the top pond, and were very pleased to see some tadpoles there for the first time. This is more significant than it sounds, as this pond used to be relatively bereft of life. Over the last couple of years we've worked to improve the pond. First we had it dug out deeper so that it holds water for more of the year. Then we planted marginal plants along the edge and on the bank, and we had some of the tree canopy cut back to let in more light.

It appears that we're succeeding in increasing the biodiversity of the pond - there's now a range of water life, both plants and insects. And now invertebrates - we're not sure yet whether they are toads or frogs. Very pleasing.

Spring has nearly sprung!

Spring is almost with us, judging by a stroll at Wapley Bushes over Easter:

The first bluebells are just emerging...

A few primroses...

And lesser celandines on the woodland floor

Report from work morning 2nd March

We had a very successful work morning today. One work party thinned out a large number of surplus ash trees in the Centenary Wood to allow the main tree to grow without too much competition. It seemed perverse to be cutting down young trees, but it will be for the best in the long term. Following traditional woodland practices, we coppiced them - cutting them off at 10 to 15 cm from ground level so that they will regrow as bushes. This understorey will hopefully stop the brambles from invading.

Meanwhile the other group worked their way round the meadows, where the invasive growth has recently been cut back, trimming off stray saplings and gathering up litter. We were glad to be joined by several young people who worked hard to help us.

Work morning tomorrow (2 March)

A quick reminder that there's a Wapley work morning tomorrow, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. We're doing some traditional woodland management - coppicing - and litter clearance. The weather forecast is good, so come and join us for some fresh air and gentle exercise.

Report from work morning 27th January

On a bright but cold morning we tackled some very different jobs. First we planted some trees and bushes to fill in the gaps in the picnic area hedge.

Then we moved on to the lower end of the Western Wood...

... where we planted a range of native wild flowers - red campion, lesser celandine and bluebells. Notice that there are green shoots already poking their heads up through the leaf mould.

We also cleared a ditch on the side of the Lower Meadow to help the recent rain to flow away without spilling out into the field.

These photos were taken by Isabel Ryan - thank you, Isabel.

Effects of Global Warming

Springlike sunshine in Harry Stoke today

Here's an interesting post by a Canadian blogger writing about the effects of global warming in this part of our country, and quoting some recent press articles.

Look out for fungi

At first glance the Reserve looks pretty bare at the moment, but if you look carefully you'll see all sorts of interesting things. Here are some fungi near the bottom gate of the Western Wood.

Caught napping

Spotted on Friday on a path in the Western Wood - this rabbit (probably an escaped domestic one), fast asleep. It looked in very good condition.

A heron profits from the flooding

Spotted several mornings recently in the flooded field just Yate side of Frampton Cotterell - a heron staring intently into the water.

At first I thought it was being optimistic and looking for non-existent fish, but then I realised that it was looking for frogs - a tasty breakfast for a heron.

Workday this Sunday (27 January)

Just a reminder that the next Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is on Sunday, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. Please come along and help us. We will be doing some planting and general conservation work.

Please wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. To find out more please ring Paul on 01454 315851 or Isabel on 01454 313055.

More on magpies

Spotted this week - an enterprising magpie checking out the rookery for anything of interest.

I don't think he'll get away with that when the rooks start the new nesting season...

Season's Greetings - a card from Wapley Bushes

Magpies everywhere

Is it just me, or has everyone been seeing magpies all over the place this week?

Any ideas why?

Looking ahead - future work mornings

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group holds regular work mornings on Sundays, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am and finishing by 1.00 pm. It's not as strenuous as it sounds - please come along, do a little practical work and learn about the Nature Reserve.

Our provisional plans for the next work mornings are:
Jan 27 - Coppicing and general conservation
Mar 2 - Planting to fill gaps in picnic area hedge, general litter pick
May 18 - Survey of early woodland flowers, birds etc

Please wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. If you want to find out more please contact Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 or Isabel Ryan on 01454 313055.

Report from Work Morning Sunday 4 November

Another busy work morning, mainly planting oak trees along the edge of the Common near the picnic area. We have ideas of establishing an avenue of trees in years to come. Digging was hard going in places - when the track and drainage ditch were created, it looks as if the stones were mainly piled up where we were trying to dig!

The oak trees were all of local stock. A local resident grew them from acorns gathered at Wapley, and brought them on in pots.

We also did a bit more to the stream through the wood, sawing away some branches that were partly blocking the stream bed.

Dave and Ann finish planting an oak
Mary and Malcolm deciding where to put the next one
This small frog showed an interest in our progress

Photos by Isabel Ryan

Report from Work Morning Sunday 2 September

We spent this work morning clearing the stream through the middle of the wood, trimming back branches from footpaths etc. The stream only runs during periods of heavy rain, but then the water from the top ditches has to drain somewhere. It flows down through the wood and then dives underground, crossing the common towards the kissing gate (you can see a depression in the ground where the stream runs underground).

Paul clearing a section of the stream bed

A "team photo" for the day - Paul, Isabel, Mary, Dave, Tim and Malcolm.

Photos by Isabel Ryan

Comments welcome - "in moderation"!

Recently several comments have been left on this blog that are adverts for pharmaceuticals or have links to undesirable websites.

I've now switched "Comment Moderation" on, so when you submit a comment I have to check it before it will become visible. This will allow me to screen out unwanted comments but let through all the genuine ones.

I've also switch on "Word Verification" - when you submit a comment, you will be asked to read a some twisted-looking letters and type them it. The theory is that a spam robot won't be able to do this, but a person can.

Paul

Future Work Mornings - dates for your diaries

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group holds regular work mornings on Sundays, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am and finishing by 1.00 pm. It's not as strenuous as it sounds - please come along, do a little practical work and learn about the Nature Reserve.

Our plans for the next work mornings are:
Sep 2 - clearing the stream, trimming back branches from footpaths etc
Nov 4 - Planting trees, native plants in the Western Wood, and honeysuckle in the hedge
Jan 27 - Coppicing and general conservation, more planting

Please wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. If you want to find out more please contact Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 or Isabel Ryan on 01454 313055.

Warning - squirrel working overhead!

I frequently see squirrels at Wapley, and I find their antics quite amusing. Some time ago I saw a young squirrel trying to learn to leap gracefully from tree to tree. It missed its target branch and fell through the tree clutching at branch after branch, and missing each time. Finally it caught hold of a branch about two feet from the ground, and hung there panting and looking very foolish. I refer to it as the "Idiot Squirrel".

I'm often accompanied by a squirrel when I'm walking the paths in the wood - it runs through the branches parallel to the path, about twenty feet in, watching me and keeping pace with my progress. If it's the same one it's learnt to do the Tarzan bit properly now.

While walking in Wapley Wood this week I heard the familiar scampering of a squirrel crossing the path a few feet above my head. Suddenly the fruit shown fell out of the branches and landed inches in front of me. There were tooth marks on the underside of the fruit where it had been bitten off.

Tim Fairhead says that from the toothed shape of the rounded leaf and the shape of the nut cluster it looks like the squirrel was trying to have some immature hazel nuts for lunch - they don't look to be completely ripe with a hard shell as they should be later on in the year.

So - walk the woods at your own risk, or you may get "nutted"!

Report from Work Morning Sunday 8 July

Dave and Isabel delve in the hedge, with Malcolm looking on while Tim directs operations in the background (Mary and Paul not shown)

Isabel clears the way to a tree affected by Dutch Elm Disease

Malcom and Isabel sawing down an infected elm

We tackled several main jobs today. First we removed fifteen or twenty elms affected by Dutch Elm Disease. They're easy to identify at the moment because they have no leaves, or the leaves are discoloured - you can see in the pictures above that the elms are virtually bare.

Next we removed a few strategic branches to open up the Top Pond to sunlight. It's pleasing to see that some of the aquatic plants we put in last year are now starting to spread.

Our final task was removing low-hanging branches from the paths. A good morning's work - a big thank you to everyone who took part.

Our next work morning will be on Sunday 2 September.

A very special place / Cutting dates

A recent survey has confirmed just how special the Lower Meadow is. Its wide range of species puts it in the national top grade of grassland - in fact it's SSSI standard (Site of Special Scientific Interest). However it won't be officially declared as an SSSI because that's only done if a site is at risk, which Wapley certainly isn't. One species that was recorded officially for the first time is the Bee Orchid (though we've seen it occasionally in previous years)

Several people have asked why the Lower Meadow has been cut earlier than usual. The answer is that we're trying to stop the spread of meadowsweet and other invasive plants, and the new cutting date is based on advice from experts. It's a compromise - some of the species we want to keep have only partly set seed, but we want to avoid them being strangled by meadowsweet and the like. Every third year we plan to have a second cut in September. The Upper Meadow will be cut later this month.

Work morning this Sunday - 8 July

A light work morning this time - a general tidy-up and a walk round to plan future care of the woodland and meadows. Wellies or similar would be advisable.

Meet at 10.00 am at the Shire Way gate - please ring Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 or 07771 562505 if you would like more details.

Meadow flowers and insects

As usual at this time of year there is a wide variety of flowers at Wapley, particularly in the Lower Meadow. Make the most of them now, because the meadow will have to be cut in mid-July.

An insect lands on this ox-eye daisy

Selfheal (similar to bugle) appears throughout the meadow

Another insect comes in to land on this cornflower-like black knapweed - look carefully just to the right of the flower. You can only see its body - the wings are a blur.

Rabbit and robin

I couldn't resist this little scene I snapped at Wapley this evening. I'm not sure who was more startled, the rabbit or the robin.