Broadwater Warren

The Firing Range

tsbl2000 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:39:48 GMT

This seemingly uninteresting large earth embankment, called "The Butts" was discovered during the clearance of the site. It housed the targets and was used to stop the bullets used by soldiers training in the second (and first?) world war. The nearby command post is also clearly evident as is the firing point several hundred yards away. There are also evidence of field kitchens and the remains of mock trenches used to train soldiers in WW1 prior to deployment in France and Belgium. Live ordnance is sometimes (but fortunately rarely) found on the site.

Info courtesy of RSPB information boards

Churchill Tank Turret 10 Apr 2013

tsbl2000 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:35:03 GMT

All across the High Weald area of SE England there is evidence of military camps and operations from the 18th century through to the first and second world wars. Broadwater Warren was a military training ground in the first half of the 20th century and this turret, from a churchill tank, was left behind by Canadian troops training there for the D Day invasions. It had been covered by undergrowth and its existence was unknown until this part of the reserve was cleared. Info courtesy of RSPB information boards

Wood ants are waking!

tsbl2000 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:28:21 GMT

Spotted in the NE corner of the reserve yesterday (10 April 2013) the wood ants were appearing in groups on an old nest. These are the first I've seen this year and although they were quite sluggish it's surely a sign of spring (at last)? There were also plenty of green woodpecker droppings on and around the nest indicating they are aware the ants are about.

Tree Fungus

tsbl2000 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:21:21 GMT

Interesting tree fungus on a silver birch stump 10 April. I'm sure someone will be able to tell me what it is but I just liked the colours!

Mycena galopus var. nigra

Mike — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:06:16 GMT

found on 23/10/2012 on decayed stump of birch

Cudoniella acicularis (Bull.) J. Schröt.

Mike — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:48:06 GMT

found on 27/11/2012
on well decayed stump of decidous tree

Cantharellus tubaeformis Fr.

Mike — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:19:01 GMT

found on 26/12/2012 under pines

Mycena epipterygia (Scop.) Gray

Mike — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:58:31 GMT

found on 23. 10. 2012, under pines and birches

The Warren in Winter - towards the marshy area

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:23:51 GMT

December 2012

The Warren in Winter - deciduous woodland

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:20:46 GMT

December 2012

The Warren in Winter - lone pine

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:16:27 GMT

December 2012 - newly cleared

The Warren in Winter - ferrous oxide in the marshy habitat

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:14:31 GMT

December 2012. The boggiest part of the reserve, where the water is heavily stained by local iron ore deposits.

The Warren in Winter - bracken

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:09:07 GMT

December 2012

The Warren - recent clear felling

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:04:27 GMT

December 2012. Nascent heathland.

The Warren in Winter - perches for nightjar?

Nick C — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:59:55 GMT

December 2012. Recent felling.