Dieback, an unfolding tragedy

Three years ago we heard the first confirmed report of Chalara Ash dieback in a mature tree near Shepton Mallet, and have been monitoring the local woods since.

Two years ago we had yet to see any signs, but last year many Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees in the woods started to show the first signs of dieback.

This year it is now very clear that with dead tops of the trees all over.  There are a few Ash not showing any signs yet, so we will continue to watch closely.

A typical example of Ash dieback

One of the worst examples, with several meters at the top of tree now dieing

Not all Ash trees seem to be effected yet

Another typical Ash dieback scene, a really badly effected tree, standing next to one that appears untouched (yet)

This Chalara dieback disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.

• Link to Forestry Commission page on Chalara

 

Awaiting the stars …

At this time of year the Ramsons leaves form dense, fragrant carpets under the Ash.  I found the first flower spike forming today, it will not be long until the carpet turns into white stars.

At this time of year the Ramsons almost form an entire carpet, almost …

Carpets of Ramsons go right up to the edges of the ditches

Shafts of the setting sun through the Ash coppice onto the Ramsons

End of the Conifers for this year

The contractors completed their Conifer felling over the Easter weekend.   The resulting stacks of timber are now by the Large Oak on the main track awaiting collection.

Unfortunately there will always be a few causalities of surrounding broadleaf trees, and this time the main Gatepost at the entrance to Harridge Woods West has also suffered.

The felled conifers, open up larger areas for the canopy, letting in sunlight to the ground flora

The timber is stacked waiting extraction, while the brashings are mostly left where they fell

A casualty of conservation, unfortunately this limb of an Ash was caught by a falling conifer

Stoggles

The ancient coppiced “Stoggles” come in all shapes and sizes

Stoggles come in all shapes, this one is like a mirror image

Hollow stems are common with stoggles

All the Stoggles are numbered, recorded and surveyed regularly

Stoggles on the side of the former Quartzite Quarry

Barking Mad

Holly Bark – large tree at the top of Limekiln Wood

Western Red Cedar Bark – This tree is just above the main track

Oak Bark – A Medium sized tree near the stone bridge

Ask Bark – An old Ash Tree near stone bridge

Silver Birch Bark – near the Dew pond

Beech Bark – on the ridge of Ashwick Grove

Hazel Bark – Taken near Stone Bridge

Wild Cherry Bark – This is one of two trees at the Entrance to Harridge West

Alder Bark – Taken near the Road bridge in Netttlebridge

Blackthorn Bark

Larch Bark – tree near the entrance of Harridge West

Norway Spruce Bark – near Harridge West entrance

The bright winters sun has been ideal for photographing close ups of all the different types of tree bark.