It’s late September and there’s plenty of evidence
that autumn has now arrived on
Greenstead Slopes and in Ghost Woods…
Posts tagged nature
A Wildlife Haven…
Despite it being a cloudy and humid day
I took a walk around Greenstead Slopes
to see what flora and fauna I could find.
As you can see, the tall grasses
are a haven for wildlife
no matter what the weather.
Beautiful Bluebells…
I took some photos
on the slopes
and in the woods today,
and here are just a few:
Buttercups and Daisies…
It’s a slightly clammy Bank Holiday Sunday, but nonetheless I ventured up to
Greenstead Slopes and Ghost Woods for a look at the rather lovely display of
buttercups (and daises).
It’s remarkable what a few days rain can do,
and the undergrowth has really shot up.
The nettles and sheep’s parsley are particularly tall right now.
The slopes really are now looking like a proper ‘meadow’,
bringing back all manner of happy childhood memories.
It’s very important that children these days have the
same opportunities to enjoy the simple things in life
such as making daisy chains, having family picnics
and generally having a wonderful time outdoors.
This can ONLY be achieved by making sure that
Greenstead Slopes and Ghost Woods
remain free from the health and safety hazards
that litter and dog fouling create.
As you probably know by now, the Keep the Green Clean project
was recently given two Community Awards.
These awards were not given to any individual or group of specific people;
they are for EVERYONE in the community who puts their litter in the bins provided and who pick up after their pets.
(Our posh new litter bin!)
That’s a big THANK YOU to him, to her, to them to us……and to YOU!!
Lets now build on that success and all pull together to help to make
Greenstead Slopes and Ghost Woods even better!!
Ghost Wood
Although Greenstead consists of a huge council housing estate, those of us who live here are blessed with the opportunity to enjoy wildlife within a 10 minute walk from wherever you are. To the bottom is the large and fabulous Salary Brook Nature Reserve, and at the top is the small but perfectly formed Ghost Wood.
(Click image to enlarge).
Historically, Ghost Wood has been inhabited by the dregs of society and been the victim of vandalism and dumping. These groups wrecked the trees and bushes where birds and animals nested, they lit fires that destroyed everything in sight and left piles of dirty needles, cigarette ends, beer cans and broken bottles all over the place. This made the entire area a no-go zone for locals for many years. Without the necessary resources, all that the local council could offer were a few ‘no litter’ signs, when in reality a full-time ranger would have been the ideal solution. However, thanks to a dedicated group of local residents and zone wardens, this once derelict woodland has been transformed into a haven for wildlife, and a beautiful area for wildlife lovers and responsible dog walkers to enjoy.
(Click image to enlarge).
Yes, there are still a few areas of litter and dog fouling, but the improvement is marked.
I took a walk to the woods this afternoon, and despite the recent storms and flooding; which has felled trees and made some of the pathways too muddy to use; I was thrilled to see and hear so much nature. Within seconds a grey squirrel raced up a nearby tree trunk and within minutes I spotted another one!
(Click image to enlarge).
The glorious sound of all the birds chirping and calling to mates (and potential mates) was almost deafening and I nearly forgot that I was actually standing just a few yards from a row of houses. Along with the larger pigeons, collared doves, magpies and a rather splendid jay, I saw robins, great tits and sparrows. On the ground I saw wild violets.
(Click image to enlarge).
I was only in the wood for about ten minutes in total, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will make regular visits in future so that I can see it throughout the different seasons.
I just hope that the small minority of sofa dumpers, irresponsible dog owners and shrubbery-wreckers don’t get the opportunity to spoil this wonderful space for the rest of us again.
Keep The Green Clean 