Starting from
Hatchet Pond and buffeted by the winds of Storm Doris, 14 of us, led by Pam, set off in a
northerly direction towards Rans Wood.
The wind had whipped up waves on the pond where we saw Black-headed
Gull, Herring Gull, Coot, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Little Egret, Mallard and the
resident pair of Mute Swans with last year’s three cygnets.
In the small
temporary pools on the wet heath we found frogspawn, signs that Spring is on
its way. Here we also found the Yellow Brain fungi Tremella mesenterica growing on gorse and through Furzey Lodge
several small birds were seen.
 |
| Beyond Rans Wood |
The main track
leading to the Rans Wood area starts at Furzey Lodge Pound which is dedicated
to Jeffrey Kitcher 1943-2011 a former member of the Verderer’s Court. Here on the green are some
fine old Oaks frequented by Jackdaws and Starlings. Passing down the hill to
the gate entrance and small bridge over a stream we found
pussy willow just coming out. We then took a circular route passing
Alder, young Beech trees and various conifers where we could hear Siskin and
Nuthatch and found a Palmate Newt in one of the ditches. We then skirted a very
wet but colourful area of grasses, sedges and moss.
 |
| Birch Polypore Piptoporus betulinus |
The return
route took us along the edge of the stream, Worts Gutter, where several dead Silver
Birch had the fungus Birch Polypore Piptoporus
betulinus, one particular tree had so many going up it they looked like
steps you see on a climbing wall. This fungus has the old name of Razor Strop,
which comes from the time when it was cut into strips, dried, and used to give
a final sharpening to the cut throat razors that barbers used, it also is
reputed to have many medicinal properties. Other species of fungi found were
the blackened Willow Bracket Phellinus
igniarius, Turkeytail Trametes
versicolor, Common Mazegill Datronia
mollis and Blushing Bracket Daedaleopsis confragosa.
 | ||
| Blushing BracketDaedaleopsis confragosa |
Finally on
returning to the pond other species of duck had come in and we saw Teal,
Gadwall, Pintail and Great Crested Grebe. Luckily for us the rain held off
throughout the walk. Overall 26 species of bird were seen plus two heard, along
with Common Frog, Palmate Newt and six species of fungi. PP