Ploughman Wood

Spring is sprung. Chiffchaff calling from the tree tops, green woodpeckers yaffling and everything else besides calling, singing, flowering... While the sun shines even butterflies are showing well...

More flowering plants spotted round the wood on a lovely quiet evening walk before sunset....

The woods in bloom...

At Attenborough, Watchwood and many of the reserves where the birds are regularly fed by the public they become quite trusting and approachable. So much so a few will even feed out of your hand. Here at Ploughman Wood the birds are properly wild, exercising a good deal of caution. This robin was watching warily just long enough for a snap before it took refuge in a holly bush.

Residents of Lambley are ever more treated to the beautiful sight or red kites overhead. These two were tangling feet, wheeling and soaring over the air field. Later, along with another pair, they moved off over the village.

Nottingham Wildlife Trust do so much great work to conserve this beautiful woodland as was visible yesterday. Work parties are in there as much as twice a week nurturing the environment. Sadly there are still those that abuse what is otherwise sanctuary for us. I know several readers, myself included, will take away litter left by others, but I’d encourage more to do the same, even if it’s just one thing like a crisp packet. That said, as I've mentioned before, do be careful when picking things up - wear gloves or use a litter picker and handle sharp objects, metal or glass, with care or not at all. Illustrated, this little encampment is I believe, close to the north side access point above Woodborough. Crates and tyres are more than I can carry but I shall take a refuse sack on my next visit and pick up more of that trash if it is still there - Keepbritaintidy

Nottingham Wildlife Trust volunteers following up earlier coppice work, planting native hazel and hawthorn. The protective tubes you can see being used are a form of card that safely degrades after a year. After that time each tree should be established and the brambles grown back to afford continued protection from rabbits. Coupled with laid coppice barriers NWT are keeping this ancient woodland healthy, safe and accessible. Wonderful stuff!

None of the 'wild' flowers are blooming yet, though the bluebell leaves are very much in evidence. This solitary daff was shining in the sun today on the Lambley side. I wonder how it got there...

You may have noticed the birds displaying seasonal behaviours a prelude to nest building and creation of new generations. After weeks of relative quiet the birds are vocal once again asserting their territory with vigour. This buzzard is one of a few that appear to be surveying the canopy with renewed interest.

🎼 Singing his heart out high up in one of the ash trees this morning....

Red kites were showing over and around the wood today - too distant for quality photos. These kites are common in some parts of the country, but they still seem special for here.