Sunday 22 January 2012

January in Little Linford Wood

This might be the start of a monthly series, if time allows. It features the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) nature reserve at Little Linford Wood. This is located a few miles north of Milton Keynes, just west of the M1 motorway, and accessed via a farm track from the Haversham - Gayhurst road.

The wood has previously cropped up in several posts on 'Imperfect and tense', but normally in the context of a particular species of flora or fauna. Now I would like to give some background on the wood itself, as a home to some fantastic wildlife.

The BBOWT information board in the car park - it's a shame the dog walkers don't read it
From the car park, there are several paths that head off in different directions. You'll be amazed to learn that we normally follow the wildlife walk. Who would've thought it?

There's a small picnic table next to the car park, that overlooks an ephemeral pond. I have fond memories of seeing dozens of Ruddy Darter dragonflies here in 2008, but for the last 2 years, the pond has not held water through the Summer. In fact, even now in the depths of Winter, it is dry.


The habitat management of the wood is heavily influenced by one particular animal. The Hazel Dormouse. Rotational coppicing is carried out to maintain a mix of habitats for these wee creatures, which also benefits a host of other wildlife too.

Read, inwardly digest...
and then turn this...
into this.
Certainly, these 7-Spot Ladybirds seemed to appreciate the extra sunlight that was available, especially in January.


The various woodland rides have scalloped edges, which create sheltered glades that are good for both flowers and insects. Again, this is carried out on a rotational basis, so that there's always a mix of habitat.


Little Linford Wood is surrounded by arable fields and rolling countryside. And in the not too distant future, it is likely that it will have a wind farm as a neighbour. However, at least for the moment, there are unhindered views of the skyscape.

Rays from the winter sun, pushing through the clouds

14 comments:

holdingmoments said...

All the years I've lived in MK, I've never ventured here. I hope you do manage to make this a regular feature; I found it very interesting.

As for wind farms, I'l just say I'm totally against them. A complete waste of money, and a destroyer of landscapes.

Tales of a Bank Vole said...

Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run.....

Imperfect and Tense said...

Keith,

It is a gem of a place. I have to brush up on my flower and butterfly ID, it's so full of wildlife. Like a complete wimp, I've yet to put pen to paper on the subject of wind farms.

Tony,

:o) Not that sort of Plant! But it does create a similar euphoric feeling to a certain rock track of note.

Spadger said...

Great to see you've 'captured' the two ladybirds - there's so many about at the moment. Hope we don't have a cold spell that kills them off. I still think the catch of the blog is your outro photo - awesome! Thanks for another fine blog and yes pleeeze some more on LLW if possible.

Katie (Nature ID) said...

Yeah, when are you going to write about wind farms? Ooh, the pressure!

Imperfect and Tense said...

John, All these pics were taken with Our Lass's wee point 'n' press. Perhaps I shouldn't've bought a DSLR :o(

Katie, I would like the world to think that I was slowly building up the tension, before releasing a stupendously insightful, witty, yet hard-hitting post on the subject of wind turbines. But it ain't gonna happen like that!

I hadn't noticed the little circle with the line through it, thanks for pointing it out. Is it a pen? I did spot the new Reply/Delete tabs, but never remember to use them.

Spadger said...

Katie - you're not trying to incite a rant now are you by any chance? You know how it gets our Graeme all Tense and does no good for his blood pressure :o/

Spadger said...

whey hey!! The last 'comment' and this, was made from my computer and not phone, using Google Chrome!! Amazing! Think I'll see if I can log onto FB!

Imperfect and Tense said...

John, Welcome back to the 21st Century!

Imperfect and Tense said...

John, That's not blood running through my veins... it's the River Wear in spate :o)

Katie (Nature ID) said...

Sometimes, I think I need a special translation tool for Graeme and John's repartees. Anyways, through another blog, I heard this weekend is RSPB's BGB. Will expect a post about that before any about wind farms.

Imperfect and Tense said...

Katie, By way of explanation, the Wear is the river that runs through the county of my birth. Unfortunately, for a BGB weekend, I've managed to arrange to be elsewhere. What have I done?!? :o(

Katie (Nature ID) said...

Thanks for the explanation. I thought River Wear was some kind of brand of outdoor clothing.

Imperfect and Tense said...

Katie, LOL, it should be!