Blog - woodland management

Biotic homogenization

Biotic homogenization

by Lewis, 30 December, 2015, 0 comments

Biotic homogenization has been defined as follows "the process by which species invasions and extinctions increase the genetic, taxonomic or functional similarity of two or more locations over a specified time interval. Biotic homogenization is now considered a distinct facet of the broader biodiversity crisis having significant ecological, evolutionary and social consequences." Basically, it refers to an increasing similarity in the make-up of the plant communities found in different places - a bit like High Streets, each of which used to have a special character or 'signature', now it is difficult to distinguish one from another. In many cases, biotic homogenization involves the replacement of local floras and faunas with 'introduced species', sometimes referred to as aliens. Examples of plants that have been introduced and spread are himalayan balsam and japanese knotweed. Read more...

Oliver Rackham and the woodland owner

Oliver Rackham and the woodland owner

by Hope, 19 December, 2013, 1 comments

Oliver Rackham has been described as 'one of the really outstanding botanical writers of our times', his work being deemed 'seminal' and his books 'meticulously researched'. Rackham has raised huge amounts of awareness for the issues faced by woodlands and the importance of their conservation. In 1998, he was awarded the OBE for services to Nature Conservation, and so Rackham's principles are in line with our own of 'conservation and enjoyment'. He has reinforced respect for woodlands and so is a key figure to know about when owning your own. Read more...

The Robin

The Robin

by Chris, 21 December, 2011, 0 comments

Season's Greetings. The robin, frequently pictured on Christmas cards, is making something of a “come back”. Its numbers have increased by roughly 50%, compared to when it was first recorded back in 1970. The RSPB has suggested that milder winters and earlier Springs have contributed to its increased numbers; and it is estimated that there are now some 5 - 6 million breeding pairs of robins in the U.K. However, its populations can be ‘knocked back’ by hard winters – such as we have experienced recently. A small bird, such as the robin, can rapidly lose much of its body mass through a short succession of cold nights and days - burning its reserves (of fat) to generate heat energy to maintain its body temperature. They also use up energy in the search for food, which is often in very limited supply under cold conditions. Read more...

Greenfinches

Greenfinches

by Chris, 22 May, 2010, 0 comments

Greenfinches, parasites, heat islands and the BTO nesting survey. Greenfinches are being killed by a protozoan parasite – Trichomonas. The parasite causes swelling of the throat by infecting the crop and gullet, so the the birds cannot eat. It has been suggested that as many as 500,000 greenfinches have been killed by this parasite. Read more...

Nightingales

by Chris, 16 May, 2010, 11 comments

Nightingales are migratory birds and fly into the U.K. in the Spring, having spent the winter in Africa. The nightingale is particularly well known for its song; (a wma file of which can be found here). However, not everybody in the UK is likely to hear them singing. It is not found in Scotland or Wales, and in other places its numbers have fallen quite dramatically. It is now mainly found in the South-East, especially Kent, Sussex, Suffolk and Norfolk. A sighting is unlikely; nightingales are shy, drab brown birds who seek the dense vegetation described below. Read more...

How to Sharpen a Knife

How to Sharpen a Knife

by catherine, 6 March, 2009, 0 comments

Justin gives advice and safety tips on knife sharpening in the latest of the Woodlands TV Survival Series. Read more...

Climate Change, Carbon and Woods

Climate Change, Carbon and Woods

by Sandy, 21 March, 2008, 6 comments

Just about everyone now believes that climate change is happening, that this is due to an increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, and that we are the main cause. The most important GHG is carbon dioxide and trees have a key role to play because they capture CO2 from the air during photosynthesis and store carbon as they grow. Between 15% and 30% of a tree (by volume) is carbon, the figure depending on wood density and moisture content. After felling, carbon continues to be locked up in wood products and is eventually returned to the atmosphere through decay or combustion. Read more...

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Read our guide to wild flowers of woodland and hedgerow

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