It is difficult to imagine that Huntingdonshire was covered in extensive forests during Saxon times. The area was declared a royal forest by King Henry II in 1154. Since then, it has been gradually deforested, and Huntingdonshire now has one of the lowest coverage of trees in the country. The Paxton Pits nature reserve may not be known for trees but take a closer look and there are some magnificent specimens.
Last Saturday, our first of our new guided walks showed the interest that the people have in trees. It was so popular, we decided to divide into 2 very sociable and interested groups to walk around the rather muddy meadow trail. Fortunately, everybody came with suitable footwear! About 20 species of tree were examined at close quarters looking at the buds, catkins, shape of tree and fallen leaves showing how winter is a good time to identify trees.
Trees are also a good way to celebrate a milestone. So, to celebrate the Friends 30th anniversary, we are planting Black Poplar near the Riverview point. They are one of the country’s most endangered native trees and male and female specimens are required if you hope to have fertile true seeds. Our saplings are from cuttings from known male and female Black Poplar (Populus Nigra).
True Black Poplar are very good at hybridising with other types of poplars. Look down on the river trail to find some mature specimens. In all probability, they are hybrids although very difficult to say. If you can tell us, we would like to know.
Mentioning the Riverview point, the work party, preparing the site for the new trees, found some lovely bright red scarlet elf caps out on the rotting wood under the nettles. It amazes me how they survive, having been under water so often in the last few months. The lichen and mosses are also a lovely fresh green and especially lovely when there is Witches butter fungus amongst them.
On the days when the sun shines and there is a little warmth in the air, there is a feeling spring is around the corner. There are snowdrops out by the path down to the Kingfisher hide where the old Wray House was. I heard a woodpecker drumming a couple of days ago. Both sexes drum to alert each other of their presence.
Another interesting sighting was a couple of cattle egrets just north of the reserve in a field with…cattle! Will they stay and breed, time will tell?
The Wildlife Survey group’s annual Winter Bird walk, a couple of weeks back, saw and heard 46 species including a second winter Caspian Gull up on Island Pit. If you are interested in the list, let me know.
As always, I am always interested in your sightings. Let me know at friends@paxton-pits.org.uk . And, of course, come and join us at one of our regular volunteer groups and events.
Best wishes
Ann
Ann Thomas 7.2.25
Just a warm thank you for the newsletter. It is lovely to follow developments and sightings and hear about the work of the tireless volunteers. I joined the friends 20 years ago when my daughter was living in Godmanchester. We loved our visits to Paxton Pits. We are a long way away in north Derbyshire but we have made our way down occasionally and 4 years ago I walked the beautiful Ouse Valley Way and had a glorious afternoon with you. I hope you have a wonderful spring, best wishes to you all