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Snow in the Wood

 
Ice on the Dewy Pond in Dulwich Wood

 
The recent snow fall in the Wood changing its appearance, which although beautiful to see, it will have presented wildlife and plants with new challenges.  The frozen ground and decline in insect activity will have reduced the ability of birds to forage and feed. The strong winds and the weight of the snow will have put stress on the trees and in the case of a large ash, that stress was too much, bringing it crashing to the ground. However, being a cold snap, the temperatures have returned to normal for the time of year, the ground has thawed and the wood echoes again to the sound of birds singing. The forecast for next week promises warmer weather for the rest of February.  Another sign that climate change is bringing greater extremes and variability in our weather.
 
The fallen ash, next to the path up from the tunnel to the folly. (photo Sam Taylor)


 

 
It seems the ash brought down an oak and a hornbeam as it fell, blocking the main path along the old railway alignment.


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