May 2010

by Ken Clark - 22:04 on 17 May 2010

                                       Ken’s Nature notes.

I have had a “eureka” moment this month whilst watching the Ash trees struggling with the late frosts, I noticed for the first time, the flowers on the trees. The usual Horse chestnuts I have been used to flowering and producing the “conkers” but for the first time I have noticed, Sycamore and Ash flowers. Trees that I normally take for granted that produce clusters of seed have flowers! The ash flowers are lace-like, dark and feathery. The sycamores have small grape–like clusters, just waiting to be pollinated.

Well enough of my ignorance, I am here to celebrate nature in all its variations.

The wonderful displays from the cherry trees that are now dropping like confetti at a wedding, have once again being fabulous. The Laburnum which will be displaying its yellow blossoms by the time you read this are just bursting out.

It is not just the colours of the flowers that give variations even the leaves on the trees can have great changes in shades. Vivid pinks from the buds that have protected the sycamore leaves are now scattered around the paths. These sycamore leaves have amazing colour variations as they mature from burgundy through to the usual green.

 Lots of brown shells are scattered around the roads and trapped in spider’s webs, this is a sure sign of a beech tree nearby that has cast its protective leaf coverings.

There are still a few elms about that have not been hit by the Dutch elm disease. The English elm can be recognised by its winged fruit, which are fewer in number on the branches, the Wych elm is more resistant to the Dutch disease, has masses of winged fruit; the only one I have seen is on the footpath near Bowes Estate new offices.

The fresh beech leaves, look good enough to eat and I am sure these will feed some hungry caterpillars soon. Everything is bursting with fresh growth, stinging nettles and none-stinging are also out, the non-sting have good displays of white flowers, this is a lot safer method of recognition than grabbing a bunch to check if it is non-stinging.

Dandelions are still giving a nice yellow display, these are sensitive to sunshine as you may notice, they close up on dull days and open up when the sun is out, a lot like us when the sun is out we are much happier.

The grape hyacinths are giving us the first splash of blue; these precede the ever faithful bluebells which are always a joy to see.  Even the plantation at New Lambton has pockets of bluebells; so you have no excuse to get out and enjoy nature in all its glory.

Dippers have been spotted near the Floaters Mill Bridge; these birds dip under the water to feed, hence the name, I must make an effort to check these out, as the last time I saw dippers was at Allen Banks near Hexham.

So get yourself out and about if you can but don’t forget your brolly though!

Ken.     

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