Phytophthora – “Plant destroyer”
Over recent years several species of Phytophthora have been discovered in Bradford Council woodlands. The word ‘Phytophthora’ derives from the Greek language and literally translates as “plant destroyer”. This naming...
Turning over a new leaf
When you glimpse a bluebell what do you see? What catches your eye when you spy a daisy? What tells you that a buttercup is a buttercup? The flowers of...
Wanders and wonders
Over the past week I’ve been fortunate to visit several woods across the district. I’ve been to Judy Woods in Wyke, Heber’s Ghyll in Ilkley, Park Wood in Keighley, and...
Easter eggs
What was your first thought when you read the headline? Chocolate? Sweets? If so, on this occasion you were wrong. Spring equinox has now passed and the days are getting...
Brilliant bees
Spring equinox is fast approaching and I feel like my body and mind are waking from the winter blues. Now that air temperatures are rising and we have more daylight...
Treasures uncovered at St Ives
Recent clearance of the invasive non-native Rhododendron ponticum has exposed an unexpected find. Not only can we now see the majestic oaks and other mature trees that have been hidden for...
Spring is in the air… and water
Valentine’s Day stands out in my mind as a special day in 2018. It was the day that I was greeted by song as I left the house. Early that...
X is for Xylella fastidiosa
Xylella fastidiosa is the latest plant disease to threaten trees and woodlands in the United Kingdom. It joins a long list of pests and diseases that are already having a...
New woodland manager joins team
Hello, I’m Andrew and I started in role as Assistant Tree and Woodland Manager in November 2017 following the retirement of Colin Whitfield. Excitement coursed through my veins when I...