From the Blackwater carpark we headed across the road to the Arboretum. Once inside we walked in a figure of eight amongst many non-native trees from around the world. The trees had been planted around the time of the development of the Ornamental Drive in 1859 and included numerous varieties of pine, larch, birch, spruce as well as Giant Sequoia with its soft furry bark, Coastal Redwood and eucalyptus. The trees were interspersed with wooden sculptures of cones and seeds, part of ‘Our Past, Our Future’ project* providing places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. It was noted that a Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp niphophila had much graffiti carved into its bark. One piece advised the reader to look around and take in nature!
Beesh mast © Glynis Payne
Japanese Red Cedar – tree of the month for May is the national tree of Japan known as Sugi. Its timber is fragrant as well as insect and weather resistant. The oldest and largest is on the Yakushima and is 7200 years old.
Norway Spruce – tree of the month in April was the original Victorian Christmas Tree, it has been used to flavour beer and to make musical instruments.
The Forestry Commission had recently felled some Spruce trees which had died due to Spruce Beetle in an attempt to stop the spread of the infestation.
Common Yellow Azalea filled the air with scent but opinion was divided about its perfume. Various pine cones were studied for shape and form.
A female Beautiful Demoiselle was seen, its closed wings were a golden colour and it looked like a dead leaf as it sat on a twig, its green/blue body shielded by its wings. A Black Locust or False Acacia tree had sharp spikes on its branches.
Beautiful Demoiselle - female © Glynis Payne
As we left the Arboretum and turn left onto the Tall Trees Trail, we saw many Speckled Wood butterflies in the warm sunshine. Beautifully carved signage was admired as we walked on a level path amongst many impressive trees. We arrived at two huge Giant Sequoias, which can live up to 3000 years - ours were estimated to be 150 years. Apparently, they weigh about 28 full-grown elephants each. The oldest in America weighs 248 elephants.
Chaffinch - female © Glynis Payne
Many birds were heard and/or seen including Siskin, Mistle and Song Thrushes, Chaffinch, Treecreeper, Stock Dove, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Mistle Thrush, Southern Wood Ant nests teaming with industrious ants, Common Malachite Beetle and Hornet.
Common Malachite Beetle © Maureen Fidkin
Plants included Heath Bedstraw, Common Cow-wheat, Tormentil, Beech Woodwort (a fungus), Rhododendron, Foxglove and Hard Fern. F&GS
Heath Bedstraw © Glynis Payne
* A £4.4m scheme led by 11 partners working across 21
projects to restore lost habitats, develop forest skills and inspire a new
generation to champion and care for the New Forest. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/projects/our-past-our-future-working-together-new-forest