SPRING is upon us once again, the birds are singing and Man United is top of the Premiership. Nothing changes then. Amongst the first signs that winter is on its way out is the appearance of the early woodland flowers. These plants - such as Dogs Mercury and Lesser Celandine are the first signs of colour in the woodlands. It is a race for them to flower and seed before the canopy above them leafs up and knocks out the light to the floor below. When we think of edible wild mushrooms, we think of field mushrooms during late summer and autumn. Though there are several varieties of spring mushrooms that are highly prized for their gastric qualities, by people in the know. The Common Morel, with its brain-like fruiting body, can be found in glades, orchards and coppice woodland from the end or" april until early summer. This species is eaten in Europe, bul hardly known in the UK. The St George's mushroom, as its name suggests, can be found on 23'° april, Sl George's Day. Realistically it can be found any time from mid-april onwards. It is all white, even the gills underneath, and can be found along woodland edges and footpaths. Both of these species are well known for their edible qualities, but care must be taken when picking to eat because both can be mistaken for closely related poisonous varieties.

What's happening on the properties?
New mains water supplies have been installed to the Lower View Point and Burford Meadow. This is going lo enable grazing these areas to be a much simpler affair. In the past, in excess of 60 gallons of water a day had to be transported and carried by hand to these areas. For the third year running we have removed more of the invasive yew trees from Dukes Meadow. The trees had self-seeded into this area and have begun to shade oul the grassland beneath them. At Headley Heath more thinning out work has been carried out in the dense birch woodland behind the Brimmer car park; this work is being carried out to enhance the ground flora, which was virtually non-existent before. The other benefit of this work is to improve the intrinsic appeal of the access routes to the heath from the car park.

Sheep and cattle grazing
After the unfortunate foot and moutti outbreak last year. and all of the movement restrictions imposed upon us, we have been catching up with areas that were not grazed fast year. This is progressing well and we have several areas on the properties that are currently under grazing management.

On Box Hill the Highland cattle are currently grazing the Lower Viewpoint and Dukes Meadown, whilst the Welsh Mountain sheep have gradually worked their way down the Zig-Zag Road paddocks.

And on Headley Health the Highland cattle are grazing Middle Hall and Purley Plain paddocks.

An unfortunate incident
Dogs are always most welcome on both properties, but an incident which happened just recently is very worrying indeed. While out walking on a sunny afternoon a young boy and his mother witnessed a Roe deer literally being ripped apart right in front of them by a greyhound-type dog. The boy, who is only six, was very traumatised.

Please be aware of where your dogs are at all times when out walking them and keep the under control.

Forthcoming Events
Please contact Andy Bailey (Warden Box Hill & Headley Heath) Telephone 01372 375552.