Halloween and half term

Fungi have been spectacular this year – we found approximately 60 different species, including several that we had not recorded previously. Here you can see the Penny bun fungi.

I am so grateful to the children at Phoenix Montessori who have helped spot and identify them.

Phoenix Montessori provides Term-time Tutor & Forest sessions for children not attending school in our woodland. 

The rich and varied habitats are good for small birds and there are interesting newcomers like Firecrest (pictured by Anita Menger from Pixabay) and Goldcrest.

We definitely have two breeding pairs of Firecrest on site. The tiny Firecrest vies with the Goldcrest for the title of the UK’s smallest bird.

In terms of trees it has been a mast year for Sweet chestnut and Oak, as well as a bumper year for apples.

And we keep planting new trees – including this special Cherry tree, planted by the children at Blacknest Forest School.

Two bat surveys have helped to familiarize ourselves with these wonderfully clever mammals.  Common pipistrelles and Sopranos, Noctules and Serotine – roosting in dead standing trees that make perfect habitats.

The new pond in the field has been a useful stopping place for birds and the deer who roam freely. We trust the foxes and badgers come at night to drink.

Amongst our many activities, whittling and fire striking are favourites – not learnt elsewhere.

It is the wide range of options on offer that lead parents tell me that our Forest School is their favourite holiday club!