BEDGEBURY 2020 Pinetum Biodiversity Edition
Discover some of the Pinetum’s wildlife wonders Sightings of a lifetime: Big Forest Find results now in!
Suggested non- £1 member donation www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Cover image: Dr Ian Beavis of The Amelia, Tunbridge Wells, surveys for invertebrates in the sward of section 5 during Bedgebury’s 2019 Big Forest Find. To find out where section 5 is in the Pinetum take a look at the map on page 23.
Editor: Katherine Jary Friends’ team: Katherine Jary, Mina McPhee, Ann Waller and Sharon Booth. Friends’ trustees: Bonita Backhouse, Keith Brookbank, Kim Fletcher, John Gordon, Jeremy Sheldon, Phil Vingoe and Keith Webber Contents Designer: Fraser Allen Editor’s letter...... 2 Contributing photographers: A walk on the wildlife side...... 6 Fraser Allen, Eric Barlow, Adam Berger, Gill Brook, What makes the Pinetum special for Bryan Bullen, John Gordon, Odonata?...... 12 Judi Grey, Dominique Huxley, The importance of fungi in the Pinetum...... 16 Dylan Laidler, Cat Micklewright, Living by the sward...... 22 Matt Parratt, John Smythers, Warren Stirling, Claire Ward, Bedgebury’s Florilegium tackle a new Nigel Witham and the challenge...... 28 Friends’ team. Wintering finches in the Pinetum...... 32 Proof reading: Elspeth Hill, The Pinetum: health border patrol for tree John Gordon, Mina McPhee species...... 36 and Ann Waller. Moorhen, Dominique Huxley 1 Editor’s letter by Katherine Jary 2019 was the Forestry Commission’s made the results of the Bedgebury Big centenary year, and, along with many Forest Find fascinating in both scale other Forestry England sites, Bedgebury and breadth. “A lifetime can be spent in a Magellanic voyage celebrated with a ‘Big Forest Find’ – a This magazine shares with you the citizen survey of forest wildlife. But highlights captured in this ‘engagement’ of around the trunk of a single tree.” Bedgebury’s Pinetum is very different citizen science, while some of Bedgebury’s E.O. Wilson, Father of Biodiversity, American biologist, naturalist and writer. from a forest! Its uniqueness, and species experts seek to explain why the the enthusiasm of Bedgebury’s staff, Pinetum is so rich in its biodiversity. The Pinetum is one of the finest and Bedgebury’s spectacular heritage volunteers, members and visitors, most comprehensive collections of landscape, its varied topography and If you’re fascinated by trees and all the good things that surround them, why not spend conifers in the world, boasting some geology, the mixed planting of conifer some quiet and reflective time in the Pinetum and see what comes to you. Record what of the rarest and most spectacular and deciduous trees and its extensive you see on the iNaturalist app under ‘Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest Find’, or drop tree species on the planet. Bedgebury natural and man-made waterways into the Visitor Centre to let the Friends’ team know what you have seen. We will record enthusiasts know that this very special make the Pinetum a rare and biodiverse your sightings and images on our ‘Species Spotted’ - a chronological website resource collection of trees is also home to an environment not found elsewhere in the packed with flora and fauna images, expert records, visitor experiences and wildlife equally interesting range of wildlife. South East. stories. www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk.
Catsear, Hypochaeris radicata, John Gordon “Research gathered “It is that range of over recent years biodiversity that we has highlighted the must care for – the countless benefits to whole thing – rather people, wildlife and than just one or the environment that two stars.” Sir David Attenborough, English come from planting broadcaster and natural historian. trees and creating new woodland habitat. It’s obvious trees are good things.” Clive Anderson, English TV and radio presenter, President of the Woodland Trust.
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r C The Big Forest Find Bedgebury Pinetum Apr-Oct 2019 The Big Forest Find was the largest survey of England’s No. of iNaturalist records No. of different species recorded forest wildlife to date. 3,018 Fungi Birds In total 17 Forestry England sites took part. Bedgebury Pinetum Insects Plants 120 50 392 340 Expert ecologists, naturalists, volunteers 1,160 and visitors recorded almost 15,000 Dalby Forest species of wildlife, flora and fauna. 939 New Forest 681 Sutton Manor Join the new Including 646 Protozoa project now! Mammals Molluscs Dog vomit Sence Valley Spiders 7 2 slime mould Bedgebury 20 12 624 Fuligo Pinetum and Westonbirt septica Forest Find 385 Drinkwater Park
385 Kielder Forest
243 Savernake Forest forestryengland.uk/bedgebury/find
Read on to find out how Bedgebury embraced the Big Forest Find. 4 5 to see what new, old, returning or ‘just A walk on the wildlife side passing by’ species would be spotted - or whether there would be any surprises. by Dylan Laidler, Forestry England Wildlife in the Pinetum Leader of the pack It was a summer of bugs, beetles, bats The great thing about Bedgebury’s tree and wildlife wonder! Best of all for Seventeen Forestry England sites took collection is that it has plenty of space for part in the Big Forest Find and close to Bedgebury, it was the summer of the visitors to appreciate the trees in all their Big Forest Find. 1,700 observations were recorded across glory. The added benefit of this is that it them all. Thanks to the passion of all Marking 100 years since the Forestry allows native habitats to thrive. Because of those who took part at Bedgebury, we Commission was formed, the Big Forest Find over-exploitation elsewhere, these habitats were top of the leader board with over was one of many celebratory events staged have been disappearing at an alarming 3,000 observations on iNaturalist, a throughout 2019. Launched as the largest rate, especially in the South East. Luckily for clear 1,800 more than any other Forestry ever survey of England’s forest wildlife, it Bedgebury, the Pinetum will remain a safe England site. took place in Forestry England woodlands haven for wildlife to prosper. from 16th April to 31st October. Across the Our recordings show just how rich the The Big Forest Find encouraged our visitors Pinetum is for wildlife. From great spotted country, ecologists, partner organisations, to identify and record wildlife observations volunteer experts, staff and visitors came Sarah Harrington-James of Kentish Stour woodpecker chicks nesting in an oak tree in the Pinetum, starting with a series of Countryside Partnership pond-dipping with a together to celebrate the biodiversity of the and the rare (to this part of Kent) micro specialist-led events that ran from 25th young enthusiast moth, Anania funebris, to the diminutive nation’s forests. May to 2nd June. Our events were: pond to use iNaturalist to record sightings English eyebright, Euphrasia anglica, dipping; bird walks; a moth identification With so much to explore at Bedgebury we through to the end of October. there was so much to discover. set out on a journey of discovery to find out workshop; wildflower, bee and butterfly more about the rich and diverse flora and walks; a bat walk; a tree tour; a small Biological records like these are important fauna of the National Pinetum. mammal discovery walk; bug hunting; for telling us what species are rare, and aquatic wildlife discovery activities. declining or thriving, and what measures Local partnership organisations and we may need to put in place to conserve volunteers from the South East Rivers Trust, them. The records captured at Bedgebury Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, are available for national and international Kent High Weald Partnership, The Amelia research. They help us to understand in Tunbridge Wells, Forest Research and Bedgebury’s biodiversity and how we Forestry England were all involved. need to look after the habitats that exist here - both now and into the future. Record making This isn’t the first time we have enlisted As well as using the traditional method visitors and volunteers to help – we’ve of recording (with pen and paper) we Dr Ian Beavis of The Amelia, Tunbridge Wells, hosted two BioBlitz events in the past (in used a nature app called iNaturalist leads a group searching for invertebrates 2014 and 2016). In 2019 we were excited which helps users to identify plants and animals and keeps a biological record of any observations. All uploads to iNaturalist can be verified and discussed “I really enjoyed using the app to re-engage with observing wildlife, to by enthusiasts from its online global find new species and to notice things that I’d normally overlook.” community. After our events we continued Cat Micklewright
6 7 “Sighting of a lifetime!” Warren Stirling, on seeing a purple emperor butterfly
Matt Parratt from Forest Research releasing Candlesnuff fungus, Xylaria hypoxylon, mammals trapped, identified and recorded Dylan Laidler A day-flying moth, Anania funebris, Claire Ward Purple emperor, Apatura iris, Warren Stirling Pinetum and its rich biodiversity. For me, it native fauna and flora. They will continue has been a fantastic opportunity to discover to use iNaturalist and collaborate with The star of the show for me had to be The prize for the least attractively-named and learn more about the place where I staff, visitors and experts – ensuring the the purple emperor butterfly,Apatura observation goes to the dog vomit slime work, unlocking a door to the Pinetum’s legacy of the Big Forest Find at Bedgebury iris. One very generously took a pit stop mold, Fuligo septica, which was recorded extraordinary natural environment. continues well into the future. on an office window and rested long by top Bedgebury iNaturalist observer Cat enough for my colleague to photograph Micklewright. Cat notched up an amazing Due to last autumn’s wet weather we had The Big Forest Find has now come to an it. Causing quite a stir amongst the staff, it 645 observations and 400 species. She a fabulous season for fungi and lichens end. However, due to popular demand we was a fabulous treat delivered right to our was brilliant at spotting and recording an which became my personal favourite to have a NEW iNaturalist project called the doorstep – well, window frame! enormous variety of species. spot; their names can be so expressive ‘Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest Find’ which (pixie cups, golden spindles, witches’ hats is up and running and available for you to Everybody’s talking – the list goes on)! Santa even bought me join right now. Download the iNaturalist The Big Forest Find events at Bedgebury a fungi book for Christmas! app, create an account, then search for sent visitors and staff buzzing through for and join the project. Now that spring Legacy the Pinetum in search of its elusive is here, as Bedgebury’s wildlife awakens, and more familiar inhabitants (there The Big Forest Find has kick-started some see what species you can record. were a fair few mallards recorded!) exciting volunteering-led conservation and our iNaturalist records just go to projects across Forestry England sites. At show how engaged everybody was Bedgebury we have established a new “I can’t wait to get going with with the project. Our relationships were group of conservation volunteers who the new iNaturalist project!” strengthened with the local partners and will help us to manage and monitor our Cat Micklewright volunteers who so generously shared their knowledge and expertise with enthusiasm and immense goodwill. Learn how to start recording with iNaturalist today at forestryengland.uk/Bedgebury/find. Perhaps the best result is that we are all Read more about the Big Forest Find and supporting England’s forest wildlife at Dog vomit slime mold, Fuligo septica, now talking about Bedgebury National Cat Micklewright forestryengland.uk/blog/supporting-englands-forest-wildlife-the-next-100-years. 8 9 Become a Bedgebury 'Visitor Experience Volunteer'. Bedgebury’s wonderful team of Visitor Experience Volunteers provides visitors with a warm welcome, giving them all the information they need for a memorable visit. Make new friends, help a great cause and work in amazing surroundings; if you love meeting new people, this is the role for you! Full training provided. For more information, please contact: 01580 879820 [email protected]
10 11 • Dragonflies are important indicators What makes the Pinetum of good water quality, and this is evident in the Pinetum where the waters Odonata Definition: are clear and free from pollutants. There special for Odonata? An insect order comprising are eight bodies of water in the Pinetum, dragonflies and damselflies. each with its own characteristics. There by John and Gill Brook are variable amounts and types of water We are both passionate about all wildlife. A revised edition of the book was plants in each one. Each body of water Although we joined the British Dragonfly published in 2009. In it we listed the top offers a slightly different habitat for the Society in the late 1980s to learn more ten Kent sites with the greatest diversity dragonflies to choose from; and some about this subject, we only started to of dragonfly and damselfly species. Odonata need more specific conditions concentrate on dragonflies and damselflies At that time Bedgebury held second than others. after being asked by the Kent Field Club in place with 21 species listed. Currently, • Trees are important. For example, the 1990s to write a book about this group following a survey that we were asked brilliant emerald dragonflies and of insects in Kent. This involved several to carry out at Bedgebury in 2019, the willow emerald damselflies require years of travelling around the county list has risen to 25 species. This number trees at the waters’ edge. The former visiting as many places as possible. The was boosted in part by the sighting of one need leaf litter under the water where book, ‘The Dragonflies of Kent’, was scarce chaser and several willow emerald their larvae can hide, feed and develop. published in 2001. damselflies, the first record of these two The willow emerald damselfly needs species for the Pinetum. The scarce chaser overhanging branches on which to lay Willow emerald damselfly egg-laying marks, Gill Brook was confirmed from photographs taken by its eggs. The eggs, which they bury a volunteer. into the branch, leave a visible pattern You may ask: ‘What makes the Pinetum which can remain for a few years. such a special place for dragonflies?’. • The size of the body of water is The simplest answer is ‘a variety of water- also important for some species. For based habitats’, but a more detailed example, the golden-ringed dragonfly, explanation is needed. although one of the largest species, prefers small streams. By contrast, the smaller common blue damselfly is found on the larger lakes such as the Visitor Centre lake. For the red-eyed and small red-eyed damselflies, the presence of water plants at the surface of the water is essential as a place for them to lay their eggs. • The availability of food plays an important role as dragonflies and damselflies are predatory insects, both in the larval stage, preying largely on aquatic invertebrates, and, as adults, preying largely on flying insects. Willow emerald damselfly egg-laying into a Scarce chaser dragonfly, Eric Barlow branch, Gill Brook Golden-ringed dragonfly 12 13 These are the habitat requirements that we are sure of but we have only scratched the surface here with detail Bench sponsorship for individual species. There may be other factors as yet unknown to us. However, we can say with certainty that the diversity of habitats within the Pinetum makes it a special place for these beautiful insects. To find out more, call What better way to spend a warm summer’s afternoon than in the Pinetum watching dragonflies and damselflies flit across the landscape? 01580 879842 Brilliant emerald dragonfly www.lovebedgebury.org.uk John and Gill Brook survey for Odonata each summer in the Pinetum. They continue to submit biological records and share their knowledge with members and visitors at Friends’ events and with Bedgebury’s conservation volunteers. Small red-eyed damselfly If you fancy a day of wildlife exploration at Bedgebury, why not pick up an identification guide from the Friends’ shop in the Visitor Centre Information Office. For more information on conservation volunteering at Bedgebury, please e-mail [email protected].
14 The importance of fungi in the Pinetum by Bryan Bullen Writing a short article about the importance of fungi at Bedgebury sounds like a straightforward task, until you get down to it! Although I’ve been searching for, and studying, mushrooms and toadstools for around 30 years, I still feel as if I’m stumbling in the dark every time I go foraging; such is the diversity and complexity of the fungal world. Bedgebury is special Why is Bedgebury so rich in fungi? Firstly, it is effectively a protected space, with a minimum of chemical ‘improvements’ to the naturally acidic soil. It also has a long history of carefully selected and managed tree planting, with a focus on conifers. These Humpback brittlegill, Russula caerulea, Bryan Bullen factors will inevitably have produced, over the years, a specialised community of ectomycorrhizal, where a symbiotic the same pathway (the mycelium being fungi which can thrive in such conditions, relationship exists between the fungus the vegetative part of a fungus consisting for reasons that I will briefly outline. and chlorophyll-producing plants, of a network of fine white filaments). This Purple webcap, Cortinarius violaceus, which benefits both partners. A tree for partnership prevails for the important Bryan Bullen What do fungi do? instance, will derive nutrients such as conifer species at Bedgebury such as which describes the vital role they play The role of fungi at Bedgebury is an nitrates from the fungal mycelium in the pine, fir, spruce and hemlock, as well in breaking down organic matter at and important one. Fungi are perhaps known earth via its own root system, while the as the widely distributed broadleaf around ground level, to reduce natural principally as ‘rotters’, an amusing term fungal mycelium obtains sugars and trees such as oak, beech, chestnut debris and to provide a nutrient resource other products of photosynthesis through and hornbeam. for other organisms. This is known as A bracket fungus, Ganoderma applanatum, a parasitic species saprophytic decomposition. Even more crucial than this is their role in a mutualistic process described as
Grey spotted amanita, Amanita spissa, Bryan Bullen
16 17 Common fungi families The death cap, Amanita phalloides, Bryan Bullen An autumn walk in the Pinetum can reveal a huge variety of fungi across the site. Look out for: • The Russulas, which come in all hues and have the common family names of ‘crumblecaps’ or ’brittlegills’ because their granular flesh causes them to break up in your hands. This species associates with both conifer and broadleaf trees. • The even more startlingly coloured and slippery ‘waxcaps‘ or Hygrocyboids (in the latest nomenclature), which are found in the unmown, grassy and untreated areas of the Pinetum. • The Lactarius or ‘milkcaps’, which are found in various shades of orange, red and green, are so called because of Parrot waxcap, Hygrocybe psittacina the milk-like fluid that exudes from the broken flesh or gills. These are just a few of the many families The role of fungi at Bedgebury • A variety of less brightly coloured of fungi, mushrooms or toadstools that can There is a strict policy of: ‘LOOK species which can also be seen on tree be found at Bedgebury. BUT DO NOT PICK’ for fungi at Bedgebury. stumps as well as on the apparently This is because the presence or absence of fungi is a healthy trunks of large specimens. These Ugly milkcap, Lactarius turpis, Bryan Bullen good indicator of tree health. The fungi at Bedgebury should may be , causing irreversible parasitic therefore be seen as a food source for animals, and not for humans. damage to the host, so it is important for Bedgebury staff to monitor them. ‘DO NOT EAT’ is also a key maxim, as there are several fatally poisonous species (including ‘death caps’ or A. phalloides) lurking amongst the trees!
Bryan has had a keen interest in nature and wildlife since early childhood. He served as Reserve Warden with Kent Wildlife Trust for many years and has undertaken consultative and survey work with other ecological organisations. Now retired, he continues to lead walks and workshops and undertakes ecological surveys for various national and regional organisations on mammals, butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles. He also manages a school woodland in north west Kent for children with special needs. Each autumn Bryan leads fungi walks for the Friends in Bedgebury’s Pinetum and this year, for the first time, he will host a fun and informal one-day identification course for beginners. To enjoy one of Bryan’s fungi events, or any of the other Bedgebury flora and fauna experiences that the Friends offer each year, please keep an eye on the events pages of our website, bedgeburypinetum.org.uk, and ring 01580 879842 to book your place.
18 19 @lovebedgebury /bedgeburyfriends
#lovebedgebury
Silver-washed fritillary, Argynnis paphia, John Gordon 20 21 been identified as ‘acidic grassland’, (for all Sward Living by the sward Definition: section locations, please see the map). An expanse of land covered in grass; a lawn or meadow. The quadrat-based survey involved by Matt Parratt, Forestry England identifying all the species present within Bedgebury National Pinetum is rightly renowned for its trees, and particularly its a series of 2m x 2m square quadrats, globally important conifer collection, but take your eyes down from the trees towards then assessing the percentage of the 4m² your feet and you’ll start to see a wealth of other plants that often go unnoticed. that each species occupied. In contrast, the structured walk followed a W-shaped The regime of mowing and vegetation route across the survey areas, covering as management currently in place at much of the site as possible and recording Bedgebury isn’t only about keeping the site all the species encountered. Combining looking tidy; it has helped the diverse flora to the quadrat survey with the structured thrive. Over the years a comprehensive list walk produced a more complete list of all of the non-woody plants found within the Dodder, Cuscuta epithymum, Vulnerable plant species in the survey area. The timing Pinetum has been compiled by botanist survey methods were selected; an intensive of a botanical survey is critical; surveying Sue Buckingham and a total of 244 quadrat-based survey to determine which for wildflowers in February, for example, species have been noted to date – around vegetation assemblages were present, and is unlikely to give an accurate result. In the t rs u 8% of the total UK flora. Of the species h d u case of grasslands, late May and early a structured walko to compile a site species G found in the Pinetum, one is categorised as o list. These surveysT targeted the ‘heathland’ June is widely considered an ‘optimum’ ‘Endangered’ (English eyebright - Euphrasia in sections 19 and 31, the ‘acid grassland’ survey time as the majority of species are anglica), and two as being ‘Vulnerable’ in sections 21 and 9 and the ‘grassland’ more visible and more readily identifiable (dodder – Cuscuta epithymum, and in sections 4 and 5, whichChurchill had previously either by their flowers or by their leaves. lousewort – Pedicularis sylvatica). Wood
Marshal’s Lake Lousewort, Pedicularis sylvatica, Vulnerable they common or rare? Do any of them have legal protection? From there we can 04 Forest office work out how to manage the habitat to B2079 preserve or enhance it, and importantly, 09 how we can monitor our progress to make 05 sure the management regime is working.
National Cycle To find out exactly which species were Network Route 18 present, Forestry England’s Forest Research
team carried out a series of surveys in 21 Lady Mildred's Carriage Drive spring 2019. A survey is essentially a English eyebright, Euphrasia anglica, stock-take; a way of assessing the current 19 Overflow To the Endangered car park Visitor Centre situation on the site. Looking at every square Forest Managing these plants and the habitat metre on a site the size of the Pinetum is 31 they help to form is an important aspect of impractical, so instead, structured surveys Main the work done within the Pinetum. To do were undertaken to sample what were entrance this we need to know what’s there: which believed to be key habitats to provide To A21 species are present? Where are they? Are accurate and representative data. Two To Play Trail and Go Ape
22 Devil’s-bit scabious 23 As expected, the data collected confirmed that sections 19 and 31 were comprised of a mosaic of lowland heath and acidic grassland, and section 21 was dry acidic grassland. In both cases the dominant species were common heather (Calluna vulgaris), wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), and heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile). Heathland and associated acid grasslands in the UK have seen an 80% decline in area over the last 200 years, making the small areas of lowland heath and associated acid grassland at Bedgebury an important habitat both locally and nationally. Sections 4 and 5 in 2014. An image of section 5 in 2019 graces the front cover of this magazine. Long-horned bee, Eucera longicornis Although the number of plant species sylvatica), alongside pale sedge (Carex found in heathland habitat is relatively pallescens) and two species which low, they are important for invertebrates add swathes of colour later in summer; such as tiger beetles and solitary bees, devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) for birds like the nightjar and the wood and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species recorded at Bedgebury Pinetum pipit, and for reptiles such as common The south-facing slopes of sections 4 Endangered lizards and grass snakes – all of which and 5, as pictured on the front cover can be found at Bedgebury. English eyebright, Euphrasia anglica, GB & England of this magazine from 2019, and in the Vulnerable Section 9 was also acidic grassland, but image above in 2014, had previously Dodder, Cuscuta epithymum, Lousewort, Pedicularis sylvatica, much less dry than that in section 21, been classified as acidic grassland, so GB & England England only which probably accounted for the good it was a surprise to find that they were population of lousewort (Pedicularis more akin to neutral grassland, with Near Threatened Quaking grass, Briza media, England only Lemon-scented fern, Oreopteris limbosperma Heather/ling, Calluna vulgaris Wood-sorrel, Oxalis acetosella Star sedge, Carex echinata Heath milkwort, Polygala serpyllifolia Bell heather, Erica cinerea Tormentil, Potentilla erecta Cross-leaved heath, Erica tetralix Lesser spearwort, Ranunculus flammula Wild strawberry, Fragaria vesca Goldenrod, Solidago virgaurea Corn mint, Mentha arvensis Devil’s-bit scabious, Succisa pratensis Mat grass, Nardus stricta, England only Heath speedwell, Veronica officinalis Royal fern, Osmunda regale Bird’s-foot trefoil
24 Heather, Calluna vulgaris, John Gordon 25 species such as red fescue (Festuca lowland meadow will help to ensure this rubra), knapweed (Centaurea nigra), species and others continue to thrive pignut (Conopodium majus) and bird’s- at Bedgebury. foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) common Most importantly this data has formed a across the area. There was also plentiful baseline of the plant communities, their red clover (Trifolium pratense) here, a constituent species and their distribution favoured foodplant of the long-horned across the Pinetum. It will now be bee, which was first seen at Bedgebury possible for the results of future surveys in 2014. This species has declined to be compared with this baseline to significantly in recent years and is now monitor changes. As a management tool absent from many parts of its former this is invaluable. range. Maintaining this species-rich
The Pinetum’s conservation volunteers will carry out an annual survey of the site’s sward. This year, they’ll be supported in their efforts by wildflower expert and volunteer recorder, Sue Buckingham. If volunteering at Bedgebury interests you, please e-mail: [email protected].
Heather, golden-rod and devil’s-bit scabious in section 9
Common spotted orchid, Judi Grey 26 27 Bedgebury’s Florilegium tackle Margaret Brooker a new challenge by Cath Weeks, Forestry England
of the images needed for this project are also a little different from traditional botanic art. This will involve a process of experimentation and discussion between the artists and the project team. For that reason, it is likely to be 2022 before the panels and trail are unveiled. Susan Conroy As Florilegium members generally paint In the meantime, if you spot someone from life, not from photos, they will need sketching and painting around the a couple of growing seasons to paint Pinetum, you may well be looking at one of One of the best things about the recent ‘Art everything needed for the panels. Some the Flo’s talented botanic artists at work... of Trees’ outdoor exhibition has been the way it has further enthused Bedgebury’s To view the Florilegium’s Pinetum work or buy one of their paintings or prints please visit Florilegium Society. This talented group bedgeburypinetum.org.uk. of botanic artists were undaunted by the thousands of hours of voluntary work that went into creating the images for the Art of Trees exhibition and they are already setting their sights on a new challenge. The ‘Flo’ (as they are affectionately known on site) now have a new project in the pipeline. They hope to help bring the Pinetum’s native wildlife to life for visitors using brand new artwork. A series of permanent panels is being planned which will interpret the uncommon Pearl Bostock habitats and wildflowers which thrive visitors on a journey through some of the alongside the conifer collection. A Pinetum’s hidden botanical riches. summer trail will link the panels and take Pearl Bostock Jackie Copeman 28 29 Enjoyed Enjoy the benefits of membership! www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk your 01580 879842 visit? Wintering finches in the Pinetum by Christine George Bedgebury can be an excellent place to see wintering finches. The abundant tall, dense conifers offer them a safe place to roost and give them protection from inclement weather. Although it is likely that chaffinch, bullfinch, goldfinch and greenfinch, as well as the more elusive common crossbill, siskin and lesser redpoll, all breed within the Pinetum or forest, when they disperse to breed in the spring and summer, they can be more difficult to find. When will you see them?
Most finches can be found at Bedgebury Greenfinch, Nigel Witham year-round… if you are prepared to search assiduously for long periods! However, a small flocks, towards the areas with tall Every year is different, and bird numbers marked increase in finch numbers during conifers. A sunny, calm winter’s afternoon can vary considerably. Breeding success, the winter, i.e. from November to February, is the ideal time to look for winter finches. food supply and weather all affect how many birds migrate. Where they choose to combined with their flocking and roosting The elusive hawfinch appears to go early roost will be affected by the availability of behaviours, can make them easier to see to roost and will often fly in towards an suitable trees and disturbance by human in winter. area with tall conifers by mid-afternoon. activity. As with everything in birding, The increased numbers come as the On sunny afternoons they may be seen nothing can be guaranteed! resident population is bolstered by perching at the top of tall conifers, surveying migratory birds from northern Britain, the world and perhaps preening a little in the sunshine, before going to roost. Scandinavia and continental Europe Goldfinch in hand during a bird-ringing session looking for food and escaping severe A little later, as the afternoon starts to wind weather. In addition to increased down, the bulk of the finches will come in numbers of the species mentioned to roost. This is when you have the best above, the brambling, a northern relative chance of seeing a variety of birds. Find a tall, of the chaffinch that breeds largely deciduous tree near an area of tall conifers. in Scandinavia, can also be found in Locate yourself at a discreet watch-point, Bedgebury during most winters. not too close, and wait quietly. If you are Watching finches fortunate, you will see chaffinch, brambling, siskin and lesser redpoll congregating To have a chance of seeing these birds, on the bare branches of the deciduous you need to be familiar with their habits. tree, preening, and, in effect, winding During the morning and the early down from the day’s exertions. After afternoon, they spread out to feed. This a little while, they will fly off in small could be within the Bedgebury boundary flocks, disappearing into the dense or even several miles away. By mid- conifers to roost. Siskin afternoon they start to fly in, normally in Hawfinch 32 33 Give it a go Why not see if you can find yourself a finch Photographers... spectacle at Bedgebury! If you succeed, If you have enjoyed the photographs in this edition, and love capturing Bedgebury’s please report it to the Friends’ team in beauty yourself, why not send us your pictures. All our contributors are volunteers, but the Visitor Centre in person, by ‘phone or their images are widely shared and much loved. And don’t forget to share your ‘Species by e-mail, detailing what you have seen Spotted’ records for our website! and where. We don’t promise to use every image we receive, but we will credit you when we do! For the most up-to-date information on the birds and other wildlife that has been reported at Bedgebury please visit the ‘Species Spotted’ on our website. You can find it from the home page at bedgeburypinetum.org.uk.
Crossbill, Adam Berger
Christine George is a passionate birder and volunteer BTO registered bird-ringer who rings regularly at Bedgebury during the winter months. If you would like to observe Christine bird-ringing at Bedgebury next winter, please register your interest by e-mailing [email protected].
Goose and goslings, John Smythers
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34 35 Bedgebury Pinetum is ideal as a site of early plant health warning because of its: The Pinetum: health border • Location. Its proximity to the continent means it is often the first port of call for new pests or diseases from Europe or beyond. patrol for tree species • Plant diversity. The Pinetum’s huge variety of conifer and broadleaf trees could potentially host many of the new pests or diseases that may arrive. by Mina McPhee with Forestry England’s Dan Luscombe • Expertise. Bedgebury employs plant specialists, those most likely to spot the first In establishing Bedgebury’s Pinetum in 1925, the primary goal for William Dallimore, signs of disease or anomaly and raise the appropriate alarm. Foreman at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was to find a new setting for his beloved conifer collection away from the pollution of London. For Bedgebury, already a Case study 1: Dothistroma (red band needle blight) affects all varieties of pine trees significant tree collection in its own right, the time was right to add the necessary and causes needle defoliation and stunted growth. Bedgebury’s Pinetum has more facilities for Kew’s tree research. Nearly 100 years on, we think William Dallimore varieties of pine in one place than anywhere else in the UK, so it was inevitable that would be surprised to see how important scientific research remains at Bedgebury. Dothistroma would put in an appearance. A susceptibility study was carried out in the In recent years, trees have been facing increasingly serious threats from climate Pinetum in 2008 and, as a result, tree planting layouts were changed to help improve change, human activity and new and existing pests and diseases. It is therefore fitting each tree’s chance of avoiding the disease. Historically, before the study, the Pinetum that 2020 has been declared the International Year of Plant Health by the United (like other tree collections) was planted in taxonomic order (i.e. all similar species Nations, and that Bedgebury Pinetum should be the setting for a major new research were planted together) so when a new disease came along the site’s entire species project to study an emerging canker - Neonectria neomacrospora – which is population was put at risk. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! affecting many firs (Abies). These kinds of conifers are vital to commercial timber (and Christmas tree!) supplies in the UK and elsewhere. Bedgebury Pinetum is a site of vital scientific interest. It has one of the most comprehensive collections of conifers in the world, including a large number of rare or endangered species. It is a valuable member of the International Plant Sentinel Network, set up to encourage collaboration and teamwork among tree health specialists across the world, and Observatree, a UK collaboration which aims to provide an early warning system for UK tree health. Dothistroma on Corsican pine Dothistroma on Scots pine.
36 37 Case study 2: Case study 3: Neonectria neomacrospora is the latest disease to put in an Hymenoscyphus fraxineus appearance in the UK. It is a fungal infection which leads to canker and crown dieback (chalara ash dieback) in fir trees. Prevalent in the USA, it was first discovered in the UK in the 1940s (at is a fungal disease that Bedgebury) and then rediscovered by Bedgebury’s tree team in 2015 when samples has decimated ash from Bedgebury were taken and cultured in a laboratory. This year, a full study will populations in the UK. continue in the Pinetum examining, both internally and externally, samples of fir cones Bedgebury has over 20 to see how the disease presents and how it is transferred. Once again, whilst a cure is species of ash, and all sought, the goal is to identify the fir species most resilient to the canker. were inspected when the disease was first identified. The research team paid particular attention to the age of each tree and the speed of deterioration when diseased. It quickly became clear that younger trees were more vulnerable. There is now a research plot at Bedgebury containing a wide variety of UK ash species which aims to help identify those most resilient to the disease. Monitoring this plot will Neonectria, Abies balsamea at Bedgebury, Brian from the Bedgebury team works with Ana Perez-Sierra Mario from Forest Research to take samples inform future UK ash for the Neonectria study in the Pinetum planting decisions. To find out how to report a tree health issue please visit Observatree.org.uk. The Friends is proud to support the Pinetum’s scientific projects. As part of that commitment we are currently funding one member of the team involved in Bedgebury’s Symptoms of chalara, Ana Perez-Sierra, Forestry Research Neonectria study. Brian is a passionate tree enthusiast who is exploring his love of conifers before continuing his Keeping tabs on new pests and diseases and finding ways to combat them is vital, studies at Oxford University this autumn. You can support not just to preserve the planet’s diversity of tree species but also to protect commercial projects like this by donating to the Friends when you interests and human timber needs. Bedgebury therefore plays an important role renew your membership or by sponsoring a tree, bench protecting existing trees and identifying the next generation of timber trees for the UK. or mosaic block in the Pinetum. For more information visit lovebedgebury.org.uk. The Pinetum’s unique qualities, perhaps viewed by some as its tree-health weaknesses, are precisely those that place it perfectly to address current and future The Pinetum’s new spring trail, starting in April, is all plant health challenges for the UK and beyond. about plant health. Why not take a walk and learn more about Bedgebury and the role it plays in monitoring and managing international tree health issues?
38 39 Bedgebury staff have worked with thousands of schoolchildren, opening their eyes to conservation, trees and the outdoors. Why not visit Bedgebury with your school or group? Choose from a range of learning programmes, with options for every budget. Friends-funded bursaries* are also available. * Terms and conditions apply. 0300 067 4474 [email protected]