February 2012

Well the snow has come with a vengeance!  Some brave volunteers came out to Warley Place on the Monday following the snow to continue clearing up brash but the whole reserve is now under a white blanket. 

 

As I write the plans for the Snowdrop Walk on Wednesday 15^th February are still in place.  Anyone planning to come to this may want to know that the car park is open but very slippery.  When the thaw arrives it will be muddy and great care needs to be taken especially near the main gate to the field.  This area has been churned up a little where repairs have been carried out on the water pipe.  So, please tread with care.    The weight of the snow on the trees is making some of them bend down low over the paths and it may be necessary to duck under them if this continues.

 

Once on the main drive the snowdrops are wonderful.  Before the snow came they were cheerfully growing on the banks and I hope they will soon be visible again once the thaw starts.  In various place around the reserve other flowers were coming through including scillas, tall snowflakes, crocuses and early daffodils in a sheltered area of the west meadow.

 

The Wildlife Trust tree surgeons have been back to the reserve to continue work on unsafe trees. A very large hollow tree near Dark Lane had to be taken down for safety.  Some Ash and Sycamore also had to be taken down as well.  This will allow more light to come through between the trees and we are expecting a good show of ground cover plants in the spring. 

 

So wrap up warm, wear stout boots and come to the Snowdrop walks or just come for a wonderful winter walk in the snow.