conscious and take precautionary measures when we’re out and about in them. There’s a full explanation of this matter, the pests and diseases already here, or waiting in the wings, and the measures that ought to be taken at www.forestry.gov.uk/biosecurity.
The combined impact of all of these diseases on the British landscape’s character are expected to be profound and could well be long-lasting. In Suffolk Ash dieback is established, as is horse chestnut, oak, beech and conifer problems. And others on the list above could well arrive. However, as Rob Fuller’s article indicates, we are not yet in a position to establish what the detailed impact of all of these changes on Suffolk’s birds are likely to be. It is likely to be indirect and mixed – i.e. there will be some winners and some losers. For instance, with greater levels of dead timber around, the grubs that sustain woodpeckers could increase. Whereas Jays, that rely on acorns, could encounter increased competition for their vital winter food source.
This biosecurity is a set of precautions aimed at preventing the introduction or spread of harmful organisms. These measures are simple. Get into the habit of cleaning footwear and outwear regularly to ensure they are free from soil and organic debris. Don’t let mud accumulate on tyres, wheels or under wheel arches either. This way we won’t be inadvertantly spreading pests, pathogens or invasive species that harm trees.
Woodland biosecurity measures It also appears, because of the sheer range of pests and diseases threatening our woodlands that we may all need to become biosecurity
So we have been warned, Suffolk’s landscape will change, possibly dramatically, many of our trees will be lost but, as yet, scientists cannot tell us by how much, nor when or where.
Steve Fryett
Observation – Dartford Warbler Oct 27th Eastern car park of Westleton Heath The previous two days had seen a fundamental change in the weather, with a cold prevailing northerly bringing squally rain and sleet to the final days of autumn, however today some brighter periods were evident as we arrived at Westleton Heath car park to walk off lunch. Whilst putting my boots on I could hear a faint melodious warble. Investigation behind a barrier of gorse revealed a Dartford Warbler perched in a small leafless Elder bush singing while consuming the last few remaining elderberries. We were close enough to watch this delightful warbler gently pick the last three
berries with its fine bill ensuring none was dropped. Having completed his task the tail was cocked and song was delivered again before disappearing into the gorse. THE HARRIER – December 2012
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