Nature notes
January
08/01/10
NATURE NOTES January 2010
The Celtic Tiger. Now don’t get excited, I have not seen some species of tiger lurking in my very overgrown garden. The Celtic Tiger I refer to is the one that did untold damage to our wildlife. At the stroke of a planner’s pen, the greed of the developers was satisfied and what was once countryside and hedgerows is now concrete jungles. Nearly all the private and commercial developments that were carried out had conditions of planning attached. One of these conditions was landscaping. As someone who drew up many landscape proposals to satisfy the planning conditions, I can tell you that in a vast majority of cases little or no landscaping was carried out. I only know of one case in County Cork where the planners have pursued a developer in relation to the non compliance of his planning conditions.
The farming communities have planted many thousand kilometers of hedgerows through the Reps scheme, but by all accounts the scheme is coming to an end.
The good news is that for less than the cost of a meal out we can help our wildlife by planting trees and shrubs.
When considering what to plant, wherever possible please try and plant native plants. Over thousands of years our native plants have adapted to climate and soil conditions. By planting a wide variety of native plants you will encourage a greater variety of wildlife species to visit your garden.
What are our native plants? Having read many articles and books on native trees I firmly believe that there is no definitive list of truly native trees. Every now and then an introduced species seems to creep into a list. What follows is hopefully as native as I can get!
CRAB APPLE. Malus sylvestris.
A small growing tree flowering in the spring followed by fruits in the autumn, much loved by Robins, Starlings, Thrushes and Greenfinches.
Bullfinches tend to eat the young buds in spring. Height 6M
YEW. Taxus baccata.
Most often seen growing in old churchyards. Produce red fruit which contains a very poisonous seed. Fieldfare and red wings eat the fruit without any damage to themselves. Height 14M
ROWAN. Sorbus aucuparia.
The mountain ash is a small growing tree with an abundance of white flowers in May. In late summer early autumn the tree is covered in red berries. Fieldfares, Thrushes and Redwings eat the berries. Height 12M
BIRD CHERRY. Prunus padus.
Small growing tree suitable for a small garden. Fragrant creamy white flowers in late spring. Clusters of small black berries appear in summer when thrushes, starlings and robins feast on them. Height 12M
CHERRY. Prunus avium.
A fast growing tree with a mass of white flowers in spring. One of the earliest trees to fruit, it has bitter tasting dark red cherries. An added bonus is the fine autumnal foliage display. Height 12M
COMMON ALDER. Alnus glutinosa.
Fast growing deciduous tree with yellow catkin flowers in spring. In the autumn it bears cones with small dark coloured seeds much loved by Goldfinches. The alder will grow in wet and windy sites. Height 20M
COMMON ASH. Fraxinus excelsior.
A very hardy fast growing tree. It withstands coastal conditions. Ash trees produce large amounts of seed which is eaten by Bullfinches. Height 22M.
BLACKTHORN. Prunus spinosa.
Thorny plant with white flowers in spring. In autumn it carries blue-black berries known as sloes. These sloes are a valuable food source for birds in the winter months. Blackthorn is used as a nesting site for many birds. Height 5M
WHITETHORN. Crataegus monogyna.
Also known as Hawthorn. A very dense thorny bush giving cover to birds. Makes a good stock proof hedge. In May the hawthorn is covered in white flowers. The red fruits (haws) are eaten by a variety of birds, greenfinches, starlings, blackbirds, thrushes and chaffinches. Height 5M.
SILVER BIRCH. Betula pendula.
Fast growing trees that are a great addition to any garden. Beautiful grey white bark and a semi weeping habit. The seeds are eaten by redpolls, siskins and tits. The birch does not cast much shade so can be planted quite close to a dwelling. Height 15M.
COMMON OAK. Quercus robur.
If you have the space this is the tree to plant. A mature oak is home to over 300 species of insects and provides food and shelter to wildlife.
Jays will eat the acorns. Height 27M.
GOAT WILLOW. Salix caprea.
Fast growing and tolerates wet soil conditions. Catkins produced in spring. The roots can be invasive so do not plant close to the house.
Height 8M.
HOLLY. Ilex aquifolium.
A great addition to the wildlife garden. Female plants have red berries in the autumn and these berries are a food source for many birds. Finches, dunnocks, thrushes, robins use the prickly cover to nest in. Please don’t pick the berries for Christmas!! Height 10M.
SCOTS PINE. Pinus sylvestris.
Not a tree for the small garden. A mature tree is home to many species of insects. Finches eat the seed in the cones. Goldcrests will be found searching for spiders. Height 30M.
HAZEL. Corylus avellana.
A useful addition to a native hedgerow and coppices well. Catkins produced in spring and Hazelnuts produced in the autumn provide food for wildlife. Height 7M.
GUELDER ROSE. Viburnum opulus.
Fragrant creamy white flowers in June. Useful hedgerow plant as it will tolerate shade. The leaves give a good autumnal display of gold and orange colours. Shiny red berries are a food source for birds. Height 2M.
HONEYSUCKLE. Lonicera periclymenum.
A vigorous climber with fragrant creamy white flowers from June to October. Bullfinches and thrushes will eat the red berries. The new shoots are attacked by aphids which in turn attract tits and ladybirds.
IVY. Hedera helix.
An evergreen climber. It flowers late in the year, September-October.
Every garden should have Ivy as it provides protection, nesting sites and food. The berries produced in the autumn winter are eaten by blackbirds, thrushes. Blackcaps, sparrows and robins are just a few bird species that will nest in ivy.
ELDER. Sambucus nigra.
Fragrant creamy white flowers are produced in May. Masses of black berries in the autumn eaten by birds. Height 5M.
BRAMBLE. Rubus fruiticosa
The blackberry is an excellent plant for the wildlife garden. Flowering in the spring which attracts numerous species of insects and fruiting in late summer when its berries are eaten by birds.
SPINDLEBERRY. Euonymus europaeus.
A large shrub with a spectacular display of autumn foliage. Prone to infestations by aphids which in turn are eaten by blue tits. Pink fruit capsules that contain orange berries are eaten by robins. Height 6M.
DOWNY BIRCH. Betula pubescens.
Large growing tree that tolerates damp ground. Siskin’s and redpolls feed on the seed. Height 20M.
GREY WILLOW. Salix atrocinerea.
Moisture loving plant that produces yellow pussy willow flowers in spring. Is host to numerous insects so attractive to a variety of insect eating birds. Height 6M
EARED WILLOW. Salix aurita.
Pussy willow flowers in spring. Height 6M.
BAY WILLOW. Salix pentandra.
A large growing shrub suitable for moist ground. Yellow flowers in spring. Height 10M.
JUNIPER. Juniperus communis.
Evergreen that produces dark colored berries. Goldcrests can be seen searching for insects on the bush. Height 5M.
WHITEBEAM. Sorbus hibernica
A hardy tree with white flowers in April May. Scarlet berries in September October. Height 7M
STRAWBERRY TREE. Arbutus unedo.
An evergreen tree that flowers in late autumn. The red strawberry fruits take a year to mature so you often see flowers and fruit at the same time.
Height 12M.
SESSILE OAK. Quercus petraea.
Like the common oak the sessile oak is home to a vast number of insect species. Height 30M.
ASPEN. Populus tremula.
A large growing tree producing catkins in May. Not to be planted near buildings. Host to a large number of insect species and bees visit it for pollen. Height 25M.
The heights given are only a guide as climate and soil conditions will govern the ultimate height.
Well that’s my list of native trees and shrubs. No doubt there is more that could be added to the list and I am sure there are a few that some people say could be omitted as being not truly native. Let me know.
In addition to our native trees and shrubs there is a vast range of native wildflowers that all have a part to play in our eco system.
It goes without saying that all our native trees are hosts to many species of insects and home to rare moths and butterflies.
Earlier I mentioned that it was not expensive to start a wildlife garden.
In my own garden centre, Skibbereen Garden Centre 028 22444 we have a good selection of these native plants at very low prices compared to some of the well known large mail order firms. For example we have 4ft high silver birch, mountain ash, alder and wild cherry for ONLY €1.00 each. 3ft high crab apples €0.95. 5ft high willows €0.55. 4ft high ash for only €1.50.
Well that’s about it for this month. I am off to tackle that overgrown garden of mine, but on second thoughts I think I might just let nature take hold and thanks to the “agreement” reached at the climate summit in Copenhagen recently I might yet get to see that tiger prowling under the blackberry bush.
See you soon.
Charlie
©CHARLES LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Celtic Tiger. Now don’t get excited, I have not seen some species of tiger lurking in my very overgrown garden. The Celtic Tiger I refer to is the one that did untold damage to our wildlife. At the stroke of a planner’s pen, the greed of the developers was satisfied and what was once countryside and hedgerows is now concrete jungles. Nearly all the private and commercial developments that were carried out had conditions of planning attached. One of these conditions was landscaping. As someone who drew up many landscape proposals to satisfy the planning conditions, I can tell you that in a vast majority of cases little or no landscaping was carried out. I only know of one case in County Cork where the planners have pursued a developer in relation to the non compliance of his planning conditions.
The farming communities have planted many thousand kilometers of hedgerows through the Reps scheme, but by all accounts the scheme is coming to an end.
The good news is that for less than the cost of a meal out we can help our wildlife by planting trees and shrubs.
When considering what to plant, wherever possible please try and plant native plants. Over thousands of years our native plants have adapted to climate and soil conditions. By planting a wide variety of native plants you will encourage a greater variety of wildlife species to visit your garden.
What are our native plants? Having read many articles and books on native trees I firmly believe that there is no definitive list of truly native trees. Every now and then an introduced species seems to creep into a list. What follows is hopefully as native as I can get!
CRAB APPLE. Malus sylvestris.
A small growing tree flowering in the spring followed by fruits in the autumn, much loved by Robins, Starlings, Thrushes and Greenfinches.
Bullfinches tend to eat the young buds in spring. Height 6M
YEW. Taxus baccata.
Most often seen growing in old churchyards. Produce red fruit which contains a very poisonous seed. Fieldfare and red wings eat the fruit without any damage to themselves. Height 14M
ROWAN. Sorbus aucuparia.
The mountain ash is a small growing tree with an abundance of white flowers in May. In late summer early autumn the tree is covered in red berries. Fieldfares, Thrushes and Redwings eat the berries. Height 12M
BIRD CHERRY. Prunus padus.
Small growing tree suitable for a small garden. Fragrant creamy white flowers in late spring. Clusters of small black berries appear in summer when thrushes, starlings and robins feast on them. Height 12M
CHERRY. Prunus avium.
A fast growing tree with a mass of white flowers in spring. One of the earliest trees to fruit, it has bitter tasting dark red cherries. An added bonus is the fine autumnal foliage display. Height 12M
COMMON ALDER. Alnus glutinosa.
Fast growing deciduous tree with yellow catkin flowers in spring. In the autumn it bears cones with small dark coloured seeds much loved by Goldfinches. The alder will grow in wet and windy sites. Height 20M
COMMON ASH. Fraxinus excelsior.
A very hardy fast growing tree. It withstands coastal conditions. Ash trees produce large amounts of seed which is eaten by Bullfinches. Height 22M.
BLACKTHORN. Prunus spinosa.
Thorny plant with white flowers in spring. In autumn it carries blue-black berries known as sloes. These sloes are a valuable food source for birds in the winter months. Blackthorn is used as a nesting site for many birds. Height 5M
WHITETHORN. Crataegus monogyna.
Also known as Hawthorn. A very dense thorny bush giving cover to birds. Makes a good stock proof hedge. In May the hawthorn is covered in white flowers. The red fruits (haws) are eaten by a variety of birds, greenfinches, starlings, blackbirds, thrushes and chaffinches. Height 5M.
SILVER BIRCH. Betula pendula.
Fast growing trees that are a great addition to any garden. Beautiful grey white bark and a semi weeping habit. The seeds are eaten by redpolls, siskins and tits. The birch does not cast much shade so can be planted quite close to a dwelling. Height 15M.
COMMON OAK. Quercus robur.
If you have the space this is the tree to plant. A mature oak is home to over 300 species of insects and provides food and shelter to wildlife.
Jays will eat the acorns. Height 27M.
GOAT WILLOW. Salix caprea.
Fast growing and tolerates wet soil conditions. Catkins produced in spring. The roots can be invasive so do not plant close to the house.
Height 8M.
HOLLY. Ilex aquifolium.
A great addition to the wildlife garden. Female plants have red berries in the autumn and these berries are a food source for many birds. Finches, dunnocks, thrushes, robins use the prickly cover to nest in. Please don’t pick the berries for Christmas!! Height 10M.
SCOTS PINE. Pinus sylvestris.
Not a tree for the small garden. A mature tree is home to many species of insects. Finches eat the seed in the cones. Goldcrests will be found searching for spiders. Height 30M.
HAZEL. Corylus avellana.
A useful addition to a native hedgerow and coppices well. Catkins produced in spring and Hazelnuts produced in the autumn provide food for wildlife. Height 7M.
GUELDER ROSE. Viburnum opulus.
Fragrant creamy white flowers in June. Useful hedgerow plant as it will tolerate shade. The leaves give a good autumnal display of gold and orange colours. Shiny red berries are a food source for birds. Height 2M.
HONEYSUCKLE. Lonicera periclymenum.
A vigorous climber with fragrant creamy white flowers from June to October. Bullfinches and thrushes will eat the red berries. The new shoots are attacked by aphids which in turn attract tits and ladybirds.
IVY. Hedera helix.
An evergreen climber. It flowers late in the year, September-October.
Every garden should have Ivy as it provides protection, nesting sites and food. The berries produced in the autumn winter are eaten by blackbirds, thrushes. Blackcaps, sparrows and robins are just a few bird species that will nest in ivy.
ELDER. Sambucus nigra.
Fragrant creamy white flowers are produced in May. Masses of black berries in the autumn eaten by birds. Height 5M.
BRAMBLE. Rubus fruiticosa
The blackberry is an excellent plant for the wildlife garden. Flowering in the spring which attracts numerous species of insects and fruiting in late summer when its berries are eaten by birds.
SPINDLEBERRY. Euonymus europaeus.
A large shrub with a spectacular display of autumn foliage. Prone to infestations by aphids which in turn are eaten by blue tits. Pink fruit capsules that contain orange berries are eaten by robins. Height 6M.
DOWNY BIRCH. Betula pubescens.
Large growing tree that tolerates damp ground. Siskin’s and redpolls feed on the seed. Height 20M.
GREY WILLOW. Salix atrocinerea.
Moisture loving plant that produces yellow pussy willow flowers in spring. Is host to numerous insects so attractive to a variety of insect eating birds. Height 6M
EARED WILLOW. Salix aurita.
Pussy willow flowers in spring. Height 6M.
BAY WILLOW. Salix pentandra.
A large growing shrub suitable for moist ground. Yellow flowers in spring. Height 10M.
JUNIPER. Juniperus communis.
Evergreen that produces dark colored berries. Goldcrests can be seen searching for insects on the bush. Height 5M.
WHITEBEAM. Sorbus hibernica
A hardy tree with white flowers in April May. Scarlet berries in September October. Height 7M
STRAWBERRY TREE. Arbutus unedo.
An evergreen tree that flowers in late autumn. The red strawberry fruits take a year to mature so you often see flowers and fruit at the same time.
Height 12M.
SESSILE OAK. Quercus petraea.
Like the common oak the sessile oak is home to a vast number of insect species. Height 30M.
ASPEN. Populus tremula.
A large growing tree producing catkins in May. Not to be planted near buildings. Host to a large number of insect species and bees visit it for pollen. Height 25M.
The heights given are only a guide as climate and soil conditions will govern the ultimate height.
Well that’s my list of native trees and shrubs. No doubt there is more that could be added to the list and I am sure there are a few that some people say could be omitted as being not truly native. Let me know.
In addition to our native trees and shrubs there is a vast range of native wildflowers that all have a part to play in our eco system.
It goes without saying that all our native trees are hosts to many species of insects and home to rare moths and butterflies.
Earlier I mentioned that it was not expensive to start a wildlife garden.
In my own garden centre, Skibbereen Garden Centre 028 22444 we have a good selection of these native plants at very low prices compared to some of the well known large mail order firms. For example we have 4ft high silver birch, mountain ash, alder and wild cherry for ONLY €1.00 each. 3ft high crab apples €0.95. 5ft high willows €0.55. 4ft high ash for only €1.50.
Well that’s about it for this month. I am off to tackle that overgrown garden of mine, but on second thoughts I think I might just let nature take hold and thanks to the “agreement” reached at the climate summit in Copenhagen recently I might yet get to see that tiger prowling under the blackberry bush.
See you soon.
Charlie
©CHARLES LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
December
17/12/09
Last September I was doing some landscape photography in the Black Valley in County Kerry. I can still visualise the amount of berries on the Rowan and Holly trees
and said to myself how well fed the birds will be this winter.
It is now mid December and on walking down my local boreens and hedgerows I am amazed by the lack of berries and fruit on the bushes.
This probably explains why I have to constantly fill my bird feeders next to my house.
The birds have to supplement their diet with what I have on offer. To encourage a variety of birds to my feeders i have two nyjer feeders, two peanut feeders, two wild birdseed feeders and suet blocks and fat balls (with the nets taken off).
At any one time I could have up to fifty birds around the feeding stations. While there is serious talk of the sparrow population diminishing in the UK, its certainly not the case in my garden. The resident sparrows had two lots of young this year and we now have about 30 sparrows.
Exclusively the goldfinches use the nyjer feeders with the occasional greenfinch being allowed in. The goldfinch population has increased to about 15 birds this year. They seem to get through about 2 kilos of nyjer seed a week. A lot is spilt on the ground where the chaffinches take advantage.
The sparrows, tits, dunnocks and finches visit the seed feeders.
The resident robin is having a tough time as another male robin is trying to move in on his territory in readiness for next spring. When he his not squabbling he is feeding on the fat balls and suet cakes.
Other foods that I use are live mealworms and fresh fruit. The blackbirds are very partial to a rosy red apple.
It is most important to have a supply of fresh drinking water available for the birds and this should be changed every two days. Don’t forget to melt the ice on those frosty mornings.
Hygiene is most important and feeders and drinkers should be kept clean.
There is room in every garden for a feeder or two. Even a backyard can be turned into a feeding area for garden birds. Where possible try and position your feeders some fifteen to twenty feet away from trees and shrubs. This vegetation will ensure the birds have an escape route from predators. But do not position the feeders too close to trees and shrubs otherwise the predators will utilise this cover to creep up on the birds. The smallest of patios will have room for a dwarf tree in a pot.
If you would like to photograph your garden birds with out the cost of an expensive zoom lens, you can bring the feeders closer to your windows.
My next article will be on what to plant in the garden to attract garden birds.
See you soon.
and said to myself how well fed the birds will be this winter.
It is now mid December and on walking down my local boreens and hedgerows I am amazed by the lack of berries and fruit on the bushes.
This probably explains why I have to constantly fill my bird feeders next to my house.
The birds have to supplement their diet with what I have on offer. To encourage a variety of birds to my feeders i have two nyjer feeders, two peanut feeders, two wild birdseed feeders and suet blocks and fat balls (with the nets taken off).
At any one time I could have up to fifty birds around the feeding stations. While there is serious talk of the sparrow population diminishing in the UK, its certainly not the case in my garden. The resident sparrows had two lots of young this year and we now have about 30 sparrows.
Exclusively the goldfinches use the nyjer feeders with the occasional greenfinch being allowed in. The goldfinch population has increased to about 15 birds this year. They seem to get through about 2 kilos of nyjer seed a week. A lot is spilt on the ground where the chaffinches take advantage.
The sparrows, tits, dunnocks and finches visit the seed feeders.
The resident robin is having a tough time as another male robin is trying to move in on his territory in readiness for next spring. When he his not squabbling he is feeding on the fat balls and suet cakes.
Other foods that I use are live mealworms and fresh fruit. The blackbirds are very partial to a rosy red apple.
It is most important to have a supply of fresh drinking water available for the birds and this should be changed every two days. Don’t forget to melt the ice on those frosty mornings.
Hygiene is most important and feeders and drinkers should be kept clean.
There is room in every garden for a feeder or two. Even a backyard can be turned into a feeding area for garden birds. Where possible try and position your feeders some fifteen to twenty feet away from trees and shrubs. This vegetation will ensure the birds have an escape route from predators. But do not position the feeders too close to trees and shrubs otherwise the predators will utilise this cover to creep up on the birds. The smallest of patios will have room for a dwarf tree in a pot.
If you would like to photograph your garden birds with out the cost of an expensive zoom lens, you can bring the feeders closer to your windows.
My next article will be on what to plant in the garden to attract garden birds.
See you soon.