Trees for Seaford

TReeS FoR BiRdS

Lots of birds rely on trees, for nesting, for cover, for roosting, and for food. We may not have many woodlands in Seaford, but there are still a lot of woodland birds around.

Recently I caught the unmistakeable drumming sound of a woodpecker (probably great spotted) in Alfriston road, in the tall trees opposite the Last Wood. I also spotted a green woodpecker a few times near the Coastguard’s cottages, or the path between Hope Gap and the Barn. It has an unmistakeable ‘yaffle’ of a call, hence its nickname!

At the Seaford nature reserve, up the hill near the old trenches, I was delighted to spot a jay out in the open. Jays are normally quite shy woodland birds, and well known for stashing hundreds of acorns, which sometimes end up growing into oak trees. Continuing my walk along the old Chyngton lane, I was delighted to spot a goldcrest, that was far more interested in searching the hedge for insects, than it was bothered about me. These tiny birds are usually found in coniferous woodland or in parks with mature trees, but in the winter you may spot them in other habitats such as hedges looking for tiny morsels such as spiders, other insects and moth eggs. What a stunning little bird it is. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ blog/2019/03/british-treesto-plant-in-your-garden/ In my windswept garden, my small crab apple tree doesn’t grow all that well, but still the birds love it. They spend a lot of time perched in it, in between darting to the bird feeder, or bird bath. If you put food out for the birds, they will prefer having the cover of trees or shrubs near the feeders. I find that even a trellis to perch on is appreciated, and this can have climbers such as clematis, honeysuckle or ivy climbing up it, for extra benefit for wildlife. Even shrubs in pots, are worth a try, if you struggle to encourage birds into your garden. In the absence of trees and their cavities, some birds will happily nest in bird boxes, and it can be wonderfully entertaining watching them raising a brood. Birds such as blue tits, great tits and sparrows are likely to take up residence in a box with a small hole. Other birds such as robins prefer an open-fronted box. Tree planter Margery was delighted to spot the first bird’s nest in one of the trees planted in Chyngton Avenue, a couple of years ago. Trees for Seaford has planted over 1,400 trees in Seaford, and has plans for lots more! Do get in touch if you would like to join our regular volunteer team. Experience is not essential, as training can be given. If you and your neighbours would like to see more trees in your street, do get in touch. If you have added trees or other flowering plants to your own garden to encourage wildlife, do log your space with the ‘Metre Square for Wildlife’ site. So far over 2000 square metres have been pledged in Seaford!

If you have space in your garden, it’s well worth getting a tree to encourage birds and other creatures. There are trees for all sizes of gardens, for example some crab apple trees only grow to a few metres high, and will still bring blossom and welcome fruit to your garden. There are some good ideas for native trees to attract wildlife on the Woodland Trust website. https:// https://www.seafuture.org/a-metre-square-for-wildlife/ https://treesforseaford.wordpress.com/

Photos from top: Goldcrest; Green woodpecker; Jay.

june ISSue DeADLIne: ThurSDAy 6th mAy

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