Spring Update 2014

Dear Members

This month spring came to Troserch Woods as it has done for hundreds if not thousands of years. Some may even argue millions of years since there is evidence of trees at this location from 350million years ago in the form of fossilized tree ferns. They are easily spotted in the rocks of the river bed, or on the corner of the main track from the roundhouse to the river as it turns sharp right towards the two bridges. Look for indented stripes or marks resembling pineapple skin.

Spring flowers carpet the woodland floor; Anenomies, Lesser Celandine and Wood Sorrel are abundant, following on from Snowdrops and Daffodils and preceding the Bluebells to come in April and May.

This spring I discovered flowers on hazel stems, not the lamb tail catkins we are all familiar with, but tiny bright red stars on buds on the stems away from the catkins. These are the female flowers to the male catkins. I’d never noticed them before and if red flowers on catkins are new for you, don’t worry they’re still there – if you can spot them.

This month the woods are full of birdsong. Early morning and evening are best but you will hear trilling, soaring notes at whatever time of day you visit Troserch Woods. It takes skill to pick individual species out but with some practice it can be done. Easiest are woodpeckers and owls, buzzards and chiff chaffs. There is a huge range of bird species in the woods, going for a walk with a good guide is a truly ear-opening experience.

Over the winter months TWS volunteers have been working in the woods creating paths, picking litter, building stiles and clearing fallen trees and planting trees. There is always much work to be done and all help is welcomed. Behind the scenes committee members carry out the inevitable admin and attend meetings to discuss, plan and review the working parties and much besides. We now have a blog site, just put troserchwoods into google to find us.

This spring we are in need of a Treasurer to take over from Richard who has done a brilliant job since TWS began. Anyone interested should get in touch janglover43@googlemail.com and or come to our next committee meeting.

Best Wishes Jan Secretary