Your wild spring

Thank you Thanks to your support, we have been able to protect, create and maintain woodland habitats in our two counties. Learn more about how your membership is helping woodlands at hiwwt.org.uk/habitats/woodland

The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it.

SPRING SPECTACLE

Bluebell bonanza

It’s hard to imagine a scene that captures the virtues of spring more perfectly than a verdant woodland carpeted with sweetly scented bluebells.

As the country fi nally begins to shed its winter coat, the beguiling colours of nature gradually bloom into life across woodland fl oors.

First to brave the early season nip are usually snowdrops and daff odils, their appearance providing a cheering sign that spring is well on its way.

Another early bloomer is wood anemone, with its pure white, star-shaped fl owers. These delightful plants are o en found in ancient deciduous woodland.

Then, typically in April and May, vast swathes of the velvety bluebells begin to emerge. Their spring fl owering allows the plant to maximise the sunlight it receives before woodland canopies become too dense. Take care not to trample over bluebells, as the plants can take years to recover from the damage.

SEE THEM THIS SPRING

 Eaglehead and Bloodstone Copses Nature Reserve – ancient woodland at these adjoining reserves near Brading on the Isle of Wight burst into life in spring.

 Roydon Woods Nature Reserve – this extensive reserve in the New Forest is blessed with wildlife-rich habitats, including beautiful beech woodland.

GUY EDWARDES / 2020VISION

Very rare Bechstein’s bats roost in ash and can be found on the Isle of Wight.

Managing ash dieback to protect bats

Known in Norse mythology as the ‘Tree of Life’, a single ash tree can provide a home for almost 1,000 other species, including birds, mammals, insects, mosses, fungi and lichen. One such benefi ciary is bats, which o en roost in ash.

The widespread loss of ash trees due to the devastating impact of ash dieback disease – which is usually fatal for infected trees – has worrying implications for the UK’s bat populations. As there is no known cure to ash dieback, investigating trees’ natural resistance could be the best way to safeguard the future of ash.

To tackle the problem, the Trust regularly surveys its reserves to identify areas where trees are hoped to display resistance. In areas where we must take action – due to the risk of unstable and bri le diseased trees endangering public safety and to help control the spread of disease – we’ll remove infected trees following a risk-based approach. Before felling any trees, we carry out ecological surveys to check for the presence of bats and other species like badgers and dormice, and ensure appropriate mitigation is followed.

During spring, bats begin to wake from their winter slumber in hibernation and will gradually become more active as they hunt for food. Throughout the year, the Trust hosts several guided night-time bat walks where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures. Find out more at hiwwt.org.uk/events

URBAN FIELDCRAFT

Ancient woodland indicators

MARK HAMBLIN / 2020VISION Wood anemone is an indicator of ancient woodland.

Some animals, plants and even bacteria are known as indicator species. This means they serve as a measure of the environmental conditions around them. The presence of lichen can depend on the local levels of air pollution, while the presence of whiteclawed crayfi sh indicates a river’s water quality.

Likewise, there are plant species that signify a woodland is ancient – defi ned, in England, as having existed since 1600. Some common examples of ancient woodland indicator plants include bluebell, primrose, wood anemone, wild garlic, lily-of-the-valley and dog’s mercury. There are more, of course, such as lichens, ferns and even slugs. The more of these species found, the stronger the indication you are standing in an ancient woodland.

HOW TO FIND ANCIENT WOODLAND

 Check the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) This map-based online tool shows the location of ancient woodland in the UK. Explore the AWI for England at

magic.defra.gov.uk

 Explore our nature reserves Many of the Trust’s nature reserves feature enchanting ancient woodland. Discover one near you in your members’ reserves guide!

SEE THIS

Look to the skies in April and listen for the screeching call of swifts as they return from Africa.

DAVID TIPLING / 2020VISION

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Sensory joys of spring

Bumblebee

DO THIS

Find a patch of ancient woodland and hug a tree in the knowledge it’s over 400 years old.

GUY EDWARDES / 2020VISION

3 species to spot

Early purple orchid

As its name suggests, this is the rst of Britain’s native orchids to ower, exploding into bloom from April. See it at Warnborough Greens Nature Reserve in north Hampshire.

Spring supplies a splendid assault on the senses. It truly is a wonderful time to see, feel, smell, listen to and even taste the newfound life of nature. Here are some of the highlights:

See

From resplendent spring blossoms and swathes of wildfl owers to ponds teeming with tadpoles and boxing March hares, there’s a bounty of life to spot in spring. You just have to get out there to see it!

Hear

A cacophony of birdsong and insects chime into life at this time of year, whether it’s an ebullient verse of the dawn chorus or a bumblebee’s lazy buzz. Also listen out for distinct calls from cuckoos, swi s and other migrant birds returning from faraway lands.

Taste

Spring is a brilliant time to sustainably forage. The leaves and fl owers of wild garlic, from February to May, are delicious in salads, soups, sandwiches and to make pesto. Other edible plant leaves include dandelion, ne les, chickweeds, brambles and gorse.

Touch

When walking through woodland blanketed in bluebells the temptation to sweep a hand over the nodding fl owerheads is almost irresistible. Likewise, a gentle touch of a fl uff y catkin or fresh leaves bursting from their winter buds is just good for the soul.

Smell

The unmistakeable aroma of wild garlic pervades woodlands at this time of year, while freshly cut grass, fl oral blossoms and the dewy petrichor of April showers are all signs that spring is in the air.

Pussy willow

Also known as goat willow, this tree is known for its silvery, u y catkins that turn bright yellow in March. See it at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve in Ringwood.

Blackthorn blossom

Painting hedgerows in brilliant white from early March, blackthorn owers are vital early sources of nectar for bees and other insects. See it at Milton Locks Nature Reserve near Southsea.