Since I’ve taken on the Churnet Valley Veteran tree project the one question that I have been asked by far the most, from both colleagues and the public is this:
“What is a veteran tree?”
My human was sparing with the truth when the magic words 'walkies' were called from the back door. Come on, she said, let's go between the rain showers.
Look out for the silver washed fritillary in the woods of the Churnet Valley, or in your garden if you are lucky.
Last week the volunteers and I began our search for Veteran trees in the Churnet Valley. With Kind permission of the Forestry Commission and Staffordshire wildlife trust’s reserves team, we began surveys at Dimmingsdale and Cotton Dell.
It’s that time of year again and I’ve taken the volunteers out pulling balsam. Balsam is an invasive weed that can take over large areas of British plant communities and destroy the animals that depend on them. This week we were at Deep Hays Country Park pulling it along the brook.
Been very busy lately but made a bit of time to go to Froghall, a little walk and a coffee and scone in Hetty's Cafe. Lovely heron, everywhere beautiful shades of green. Couple of hours of peace.
Irresistible wildflowers. Once I started snapping it became compulsive to capture as many different species as possible. Sadly not time to do a proper survey, but there was a lot of natural beauty on offer.
Today was the start of the joint project with CRT to repair the walls that form the boundary along the Caldon Canal between the aquaduct and Hazlehurst Bridge. We started just up from bridge 37 by the lock.
Paul, our Warden at RSPB Coombes Valley, got this fantastic photo of the rare and elusive Argent & Sable moth whilst out on the reserve this week. RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve is one of only 3 places in Staffordshire where you can find this day-flying rare species.
Let me introduce myself…
My name is Ian Kynaston and I am the new practical projects officer for the CVLLP. As part of my new job I'll be taking the volunteer flying squad out and about just like Richard Whiting has been doing for the last few years.
