FIRST QUARTER 2023

This Journal covers the first quarter of 2023 from January to March.

Magpie

Pica pica

Magpies were rarely seen in Hainault before the 1960s, but are now well established and regularly heard chattering noisily in the treetops. The black and white feathers of the Magpie have a blueish iridescent sheen when viewed close up and the tails may appear greenish.

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Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

The Moorhen has a red and yellow beak, dark brown back and wings and a blackish belly with white stripes on the flanks. They are licentious and often swap partners during the breeding season. Females seem to prefer small fat mates. Nests are built with dead vegetation positioned among floating plants or next to the water. Eggs are sometimes put in nests of other birds which allows a female to increase her egg output. Moorhens feed on plants, seeds, worms, insects, molluscs and fish.

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Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata

Males have colourful plumage, females are dull by comparison. Introduced to Britain from Asia the worldwide population is believed to be about 65,000 with a downward trend in recent years. Mandarins feed on plants, seeds and insects. In their native country China, they were regarded as symbols of fidelity so were given to brides as wedding presents. However, in reality, Mandarins often pair for the mating season and then seek different partners the following autumn. 

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Goldcrest

Regulus regulus

Britain's smallest bird. Males have an orange crest differing from those of females which are yellow. Goldcrests feed on arachnids, insects, larvae and insect eggs.

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Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Britain's largest long-legged wading bird. Herons often visit Hainault Lake to feed on fish. When a fish is caught it is usually tossed into the air and swallowed head-first so that the scales and fins don’t catch in the throat.

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Ring-necked Parakeet

Psittacula krameri

Britain's only naturalised parrot builds its nest in tree cavities.

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Wren

Troglodytes troglodytes

The Wren is the most common breeding bird in Britain. They are often seen flitting through the undergrowth. For such small birds they have remarkably loud voices. This bird was visiting Debi's garden.

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Snowdrops

Galanthus nivalis

One of the first flowers to appear in damp woods and hedgerows as springtime approaches. Not common in Hainault Forest.

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70.245 March Moth

Alsophila aescularia

Males fly from February until April. Females are wingless and rarely seen. Larval foodplants include Oak, Blackthorn and Hawthorn. Woodland species.

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29.001 Early Reveller  

Diurnea fagella

Appears in early spring and flies from March until May. Melanic forms occur in industrial areas. Females cannot fly. This species feeds on a range of deciduous trees. Previously known as the 'March Tubic'.

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Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara

Coltsfoot has solitary yellow flower-heads that appear on scaly stems. Heart-shaped leaves appear after the flowers. Often found at the end of Hainault Lake and bare ground during spring.

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Hazel

Corylus

The beautiful red styles belonging to the female flower are only about 4mm long. A hazel tree contains both male and female flowers (monoecious) but needs to cross-pollinate with another tree to produce nuts.

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Groundsel

Senecio vulgaris

Groundsel is found on cultivated and disturbed ground. It has clusters of yellow flowers that turn fluffy and white as the plant goes to seed.

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Muntjac Deer

Muntiacus

Introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire from China during the early 1900s. These tiny deer can now be found across most of South East England after some escaped. Males known as 'Bucks' have short, unbranched, sloping-backward antlers that regrow, and a pair of long canine teeth. Although males have antlers they tend to fight for territory using their teeth. There is no seasonal rut. Females known as 'Does' can breed all year-round normally bearing only one 'Kid' at a time.

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Grey Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Grey squirrels were introduced to Britain during the 1800s and are now regarded as an invasive species that causes great damage to woodland. Their introduction has also led to a decline of our native Red squirrel. Squirrels make nests called 'dreys' high up in trees, using twigs, leaves and strips of bark.

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Goosander

Mergus merganser

Goosanders are occasional winter visitors that usually only stay at Hainault Lake for a few days. They feed on fish. The drake has a bulbous head and white breast. The female has a brown head.

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Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

Grey Wagtails are resident throughout the year. Grey Wagtails usually frequent streams and can be distinguished from Yellow Wagtails by the grey back and longer tail. They feed on insects.

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Pied Wagtail

Motacilla alba

Pied Wagtails are small, long-tailed, black-and-white birds. They are usually seen in open spaces with their tails wagging up and down.

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Hainault Forest

Restoration Project

The Hainault Forest Restoration Project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Redbridge Council and others, was started with the aim of revitalising the site. Plans were focused on restoring the ecologically important ancient woodland, refurbishing the Victorian farm buildings and developing a visitor hub with cafes, workshops and a new play areas. Due to the Covid pandemic the project fell behind schedule, but is now back on track and will soon be nearing completion. It is hoped that the work being carried out will help preserve, protect and enhance Hainault Forest for future generations.

Paths have been improved and a new drainage system added. Some of the straight ditches were zig zagged with leaky dams added to slow the flow of water which will help prevent flooding in certain areas.

The redesigned courtyard will contain craft workshops (right) where small businesses can sell wares. Many of the items being sold will be made on site. On the left will be a Woodland Trust shop. The green door in the distance leads into a function room where receptions, business meetings, markets and other events will be able to take place. 

This is the function room which should be opening soon. Please note that any enquiries about this room regarding booking, facilities, events, etc. should be made to Redbridge Vision.

This will not be the first time food has been served in the barn. Many years ago Mr and Mrs Lucas who lived in one of the farm cottages had a teashop here. They provided teas, slab cakes, sandwiches, jellies and sweets. The long tables were covered with white tablecloths and tea was poured from large teapots. There were stuffed animals and antlers decorating the walls and real monkeys were chained outside on a tin roof. Swallows would make their nests under the eaves every summer.

Finishing touches are being applied. Educational displays are to be added which will provide information about the history of the forest and its wildlife. The 1886 Cafe is expected to open very soon.

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Thank you to everyone that have contributed to this Journal.

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