Ecology – Page 4 – Wildlife and Ecology, the Wildlife Encyclopaedia

War!

Primula Wars David Beeson Primroses are as much part of spring as bumblebees and the first butterflies. A wander through Harewood, or any similar habitat, will delight your senses. The primrose yellow (What other colour could I call it?) of their blossoms enliven the green of the fast-growing ground vegetation. Nearby you’ll spot blue andContinue reading “War!”

Longparish’s River

Longparish and its river – April and May. David Beeson The River Test is a monarch of a waterway. Its springs arise directly or indirectly from the chalk that lays beneath the surface layers of silt, clay or gravel. As such, it is crystal clear and carries with it traces of the calcium from whichContinue reading “Longparish’s River”

God’s Ponds

Dew Ponds in Hampshire David Beeson The ‘Dieu’ pond is an ancient relic of times long past when we could not guarantee a supply of water. Many exist and can be rich in wildlife. Life as we know it began in a watery environment back in the mists of time. Organisms still retain their linkContinue reading “God’s Ponds”

Heathlands

Heathland: Greenham and Crookham Common, near Newbury. David Beeson In N-W Hampshire acid soils and heathland are rare, so seeking out a very contrasting environment is worthwhile. The plants and animals are quite different as they are surviving in acidic soils that may drain rapidly, yet nearby there could be waterlogged condition. The script isContinue reading “Heathlands”

Bluebells

Native bluebells and other bulbs David Beeson Our native bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is found widely around north-west Hampshire. The UK has 70% of the world population of this plant and we can rightfully claim plenty of that locally. Like many of the plants that grow under deciduous woodland the bluebell comes into leaf and flowerContinue reading “Bluebells”

Along the River Valley

Along the river valley – The Upper reaches of the River Anton. David Beeson The autumn and winter rains have filled the chalk to overflowing and, so, the spring has sprung in this grassy field. Rather than gushing out the water merely oozes from around the roots of the herbs and has dug itself aContinue reading “Along the River Valley”

Harewood Forest

A Walk through an Ancient Forest, 1. Late February, David Beeson. A walk from the B3400, south along the footpath from Andover Down to the Middleway. SU403463. Pisa Cottage stop on the 76 bus route from Andover to Whitchurch and Basingstoke. Harewood Forest has been woodland forever. It is in north-west Hampshire near the marketContinue reading “Harewood Forest”