In her last column, Patricia, our Trustee, wrote about soil compression and how it may affect the Forest’s ecosystem. In this article, she looks at nature’s abundance and invites you to observe the animals that are dependant on it. This article was first published in Epping Forest Heritage Trust’s Summer 2024 issue of ‘Trust in the Forest’ magazine.
A redwing with a Cotoneaster berry around Loughton Station. Photo © Robin Pettitt
At the end of each growing season there will be a rich assortment of fruits and seeds that provide sustenance for a range of creatures.
Birds and mammals need sucient supplies of energy rich foods to keep them alive. The juicy sugar rich berries of hawthorn, holly and rowan are eaten by a range of birds including resident species such robins, blackbirds and song thrushes as well as winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares. Undamaged seeds can pass through the digestive tract of birds and are voided in their droppings often germinating close to a tree trunk where a bird had perched. As birds fly long distances this is an eective means of seed dispersal.
Acorns collected by jays and cached underground are buried at an ideal depth for successful germination if not consumed. Grey squirrels recall where they have hidden acorns as they need to consume about 10% of their body weight each day. Grasses, docks, thistles and many other flowering plants provide a selection of seeds which provide food for birds such as goldfinches and sparrows. Every plant species is likely to have one or more seed eating weevil, and these protein rich insects can provide tasty morsels for a blue or great tit!
Clearance work by EFHT conservation volunteers is opening up the canopy in selected areas of the Forest. In these locations a combination of soil disturbance and increased light levels will provide suitable conditions for a variety of seeds buried within the soil to successfully germinate thus establishing new ground cover. These plants will reduce the likelihood of soil erosion and result in more tasty fruits and seeds in future seasons.
Why not keep a note of your observations of birds or mammals eating fruits or seeds? What are their favourites and how many do they eat?