FIRST QUARTER 2019

Common Inkcap

Coprinopsis atramentaria

This mushroom is toxic when ingested with alcohol. It is also referred to as 'Tippler's Bane'.

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Common Groundsel

Senecio vulgaris

Common Groundsel grows on disturbed ground. It has clusters of yellow flowers that turn fluffy and white as the plant seeds.

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Common Field-speedwell

Veronica persica

The Common Field-speedwell is a low, hairy annual plant with sprawling stems, commonly found in disturbed grasslands. Its oval leaves are toothed and arranged in pairs.

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Common Chickweed

Stellaria media

Common Chickweed is present throughout the year, from January to December. It serves as food for chickens and cage birds and is also a good source of nourishment for insects. The flowers measure less than 10mm in diameter and have slender bifid petals.

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Barren Strawberry

Potentilla sterilis

Barren Strawberry features a hairy stem and oval, toothed leaflets. Its flowers range from 10 to 15 mm in diameter. This plant is found near Roe's Well.

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Daffodil

Narcissus

Cultivated daffodils are not native to the forest and are not regarded as appropriate woodland plants by many botanists. While they may be planted in the forest with good intentions, they can often have a negative impact on wildflowers.

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Soft-shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum

This Fern is often located near water and in wooded areas.

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Holm Oak Leaf Gall

Aceria ilicis

Present on Holm Oak year-round, these are caused by mites. An unusual felty brown growth of hairs, known as erineum, develops on the underside of the leaf from the leaf epidermis.

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Slime Mould

Arcyria denudata

Tiny, upright and frequently found in large groups. This has stalked, crowded, pinkish-red and deep crimson sporocarps, reaching a height of 1-2mm. Found on beech deadwood.

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Slime Mould

Arcyria stipata

This Slime Mould has short-stalked sporocarps up to 3mm tall. Stipata means 'packed' which accurately describes how the fruiting bodies are tightly packed together. Found on beech deadwood.

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Martin Bell

Moving to Fresh Fields

Left to Right: John (ex-Global Cafe), Francis Castro (Head Conservation Manager), Claire Oliverio (Senior Ranger), Martin Bell, Natalie, John, Rachel and Brian Ecott (Hainault Forest Website).

For 10 years, Martin Bell has been a recognisable presence in Hainault Forest. On February 1st, 2019, he departed from Redbridge Vision to take a job with more regular hours. This new position will allow Martin to dedicate more time to his young family, a challenging choice as he has a strong affection for the forest. Everyone wishes him success in his future career as a mechanic.

Regular kite flyer Courtney Beccles visited the Global Cafe especially to bid farewell to Martin even though the weather was unsuitable for kites.

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The Orchard

Tree Pruning

Fruit trees planted several years ago in the orchard were becoming overcrowded and needed more space for ventilation. Surrounding fencing was removed and weeds cleared from around the tree bases. Pruning was carried out, ensuring that no more than 20% was trimmed from each tree. Excessive pruning can stress a tree, leading to rapid new growth and diverting energy away from fruit production. Only apple and pear trees were pruned; plums are generally pruned early spring or mid-summer to prevent infection by silver leaf disease. The two black mulberry trees did not require pruning. A layer of mulch was scattered around the tree bases. To guard against damage from muntjac the fencing was replaced, but only up to waist height, allowing for additional growth space. The weather conditions were ideal, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius.

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Redbridge Vision

Spring Nature Walk

Naturalist Brian Ecott, along with Head Ranger Claire Oliverio, guided a group on a nature walk organised by Redbridge Vision. Brian provided interesting insights on various topics, demonstrating that even a short distance can reveal much about the natural world.

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Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this Journal.

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