February has been exceptionally cold, with snow and frozen ground. Tree planting has continued: 25 oak, 12 beech, 10 birch, 10 crab apple, and 25 small Scot’s pines as windbreaks near the boundaries.
A huge thank you to Sharron and Sally from Open Country for planting over 200 hedging plants near the ice house – chiefly hawthorn and blackthorn. See the photo – some additional supervision provided by Molly the border collie.
The solar light in the ice house is repaired and should come on automatically as you enter. We can highly recommend Blake, who did the work, if you need small solar electricity jobs – get in touch via info@whitewoodswellbeing.co.uk if you want details.
Birdsong is markedly increased as we approach spring – get to know our resident robins, wrens and blackbirds close to the ground, and higher up the thrushes, nuthatches and various tits. Soon the dawn chorus will be deafening as the migrants return. The greater spotted woodpeckers are actively drumming – favourite spots include the large beeches and a dead pine tree near the study barn. Look out for tree creepers, especially on the oaks – they only go up, not down!
