COUNTRY LIFE
Woodland needs ongoing protection from invasive species that aren ’ t native to the UK and damage from human activity . It ’ s especially important to proactively improve woodland by providing a diversity of habitats so that many different plants and animals can flourish . This might mean clearing away some more common trees to allow sunlight to reach rarer shrubs and flowers below . Other beautiful wildflowers such as wood anemones , ramsons and celandine , are also emerging .
Now is a perfect time to celebrate and explore local woodlands , and all the diversity they offer . The signs of spring are impossible to miss both above our heads and below our feet – so why not take time out during our Woodland Wildlife Weekend to reflect on nature ’ s beauty and appreciate what our natural environment has to offer ? Meanwhile above our heads birds are building nests and finding partners . This time of year is perfect for spotting them - as they ’ ll be out and active but leaves aren ’ t yet on the trees . There are also many less obvious plants and creatures : smaller , shyer , nocturnal perhaps , or even underground . As well as celebrating woodland ’ s showy species this spring , how about looking for the quiet ones , the little grey ones , the ones that hide under rocks ? There ’ s plenty to see and do – visit www . hiwwt . org . uk for inspiration and tips in your local area .
Five ways to celebrate Woodland Wildlife Weekend in your local woodland :
1 . Go on the hunt for bluebells in your local wooded area , our top wildlife experience for April .
Photo : Badger in Bluebells by Dr David Williams
2 . Look out for signs of our more secretive woodland wildlife , like spring fungi , badgers and woodlice .
3 . Amuse the kids with some free spotter sheets available from our Wildlife Watch website : http :// www . wildlifewatch . org . uk / spotting-sheets
4 . Go butterfly spotting . Beautiful brimstone , comma , small tortoiseshell , peacock , red admirals are all emerging in the coming weeks .
5 . Find out more about the different types of woodland , and the wonderful wildlife they support : http :// www . wildlifetrusts . org / wildlife / habitats / woodland
Photo : Bluebell by Tom Marshall
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust , working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island . Phone : 01489 774 400 E-mail : feedback @ hwt . org . uk Website : www . hiwwt . org . uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust , Beechcroft House , Vicarage Lane , Curdridge , Hampshire , SO32 2DP |
Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust :
• Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide .
• A welcome pack when you join .
• Wildlife , Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust ’ s magazine , delivered to you three times a year .
• The chance to take part in local group and community activities , offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in . More than 350 walks , talks and events throughout the two counties .
• Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide .
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