This weekend we visited Beverley Westwood and the little woodland on the western side of the pasture called Burton Bushes (of which more
here). A Skylark sang over the wide expanse of grassy pastures, and we also saw a Kestrel hovering nearby. There was a thick carpet of Wood Anemones (
Anemona nemorosa) around the edges and inside the wood, and there were also Lesser celandine, Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and Dog's Mercury (
Mercurialis perennis) in bloom. The bluebells still on leaf, we saw no flowers. The main tree species is Oak, although there is also Birch and Field Maple with an understorey of Holly. Many dead trunks cover the ground, covered in thick moss, so I expect this to be a good site for fungi. Robins, Chiffchaffs and Blackcap sung their songs, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed. Other interesting birds that are known to live in the wood are Treecreeper, Marsh Tit and Tawny Owls.
A view of the Westwood with the Black Mill in the background
Oaks at the edge of Burton Bushes wood
Wood Anemone
Dog's Mercury
Wood Sorrel
Another old oak trunk inside the wood
Location map:
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