Quantock Hills Blog
Tiiiiimber!
- Ranger Andy's got his (foxy) gloves on
Posted by Andy Harris on 20 December 2011
I have begun mountain bike trail inspections at Great Wood, the 5 yearly thin of the forest is just beginning, and a confused foxglove has some serious timing issues.
Working in Great Wood today I have been undertaking some inspections of the mountain bike trails, and managed to get caught up in the first snow showers of the winter. Luckily the forest provides great shelter but nonetheless it felt like Christmas is definitely on the way. I met one rider out braving the elements and we had a good chat. I was explaining that we’ve just started to undertake our five yearly thin of the forest which will intensify over the next few weeks once the harvester is on site. This thining is good woodland management as it removes the weak and damaged trees, and allows the remaining trees to grow stronger. It’s worth mentioning to all mountain bikers who use the trails to pay particular attention to the signage and especially where there is red and white tape don’t use the trail. Even if you can’t hear chainsaws please don’t go beyond the signs and tape.
The mountain biker wasn’t the only thing I came across in the forest as I was even more surprised to find poking up amongst the dusting of snow was a Fox Glove. For a moment it allowed me to think of warmer times but the next shower came along and soon finished that idea.
Anyone else come across unseasonal plants already out around the hills?
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Information
Useful Contacts
Quantock AONB Service
Tel: 01823 451 884
Somerset Wildlife Trust
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www.somersetwildlife.org
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www.nationaltrust.org
Forestry Commission
Tel: 01278 732 319
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