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The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it.
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Wild Life | Winter 2021
Beech woodlands As autumn draws in, the leaves of broadleaf trees turn brilliant shades of orange, brown and yellow and eventually fall to the woodland floor. Later in the year, woodlands can seem bleak landscapes, with bare trunks and branches stark against the cold winter sky. Beech woodlands are some of the most striking of these habitats, as the smooth pale bark of the stately trees stands against the coppers and browns of the fallen leaves. Beech woods are important for wildlife, providing food, shelter and breeding habitat throughout the year. In winter, many creatures will be foraging for beechmast, the seeds of the beech tree. Nuthatches, bramblings and jays all make good use of this plentiful food source. Other species will be tucked away in the leaf litter, waiting it out until spring. The unique conditions provided by these woodlands also create a home for many rare species of lichen, fungi and invertebrates. Sadly, these amazing habitats are particularly threatened by climate change. Beech trees are very susceptible to storms, droughts and flooding. By campaigning for strong action on climate change and investing in naturebased solutions that help tackle the climate crisis head-on, the Trust is protecting beech woodlands both inside and outside our nature reserves. SEE THEM THIS WINTER Broughton Down Nature Reserve is fringed with beech and yew woodland; visit for a peaceful walk across the chalk downland site. Look out for unusual fungi nestled amongst the ash and beech woodland at Chappetts Copse Nature Reserve.
Wild Life | Winter 2021
GUY EDWARDES / 2020VISION
Your wild winter
WINTER SPECTACLE
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