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In summer too much activity in the Wild Life Area maybe detrimental in several ways.
In summer too much activity in the Wild Life Area maybe detrimental in several ways.
For one there is usually already too much damage from the usage and leaving some overgrowth and not cleaning too frequently goes some way to reduce the worse. However some activities like trying to convey visitor toward the path, clearing some of the vegetation and removing some rubbish along it and on the central seat area it is hoped can encourage an enjoyable exploring experience without fostering destructive tendencies.
For one there is usually already too much damage from the usage and leaving some overgrowth and not cleaning too frequently goes some way to reduce the worse. However some activities like trying to convey visitor toward the path, clearing some of the vegetation and removing some rubbish along it and on the central seat area it is hoped can encourage an enjoyable exploring experience without fostering destructive tendencies.
At least this is the theory.
At least this is the theory.
In any case with Peter (Julian was there earlier) we went there to cut down some of the vegetation and a little clean-up and take stock of what's happening in the little nature oasis.
In any case with Peter (Julian was there earlier) we went there to cut down some of the vegetation and a little clean-up and take stock of what's happening in the little nature oasis.
This summer the site is particularly verdant, due to the rain and because of the natural process of recovery after several years of disturbances.
This summer the site is particularly verdant, due to the rain and because of the natural process of recovery after several years of disturbances.
Over here the visitor path should be visible but in spite of some cutting (and a promise from the Council Park Contractors to try and keep them open) in just two weeks the vegetation is winning.
Over here the visitor path should be visible but in spite of some cutting (and a promise from the Council Park Contractors to try and keep them open) in just two weeks the vegetation is winning.
We get down to business.
We get down to business.
Peter is particularly keen of sorting out the practical reasons to get there because he want to indulge in his new fanged photographic passion (and so it should).
Peter is particularly keen of sorting out the practical reasons to get there because he want to indulge in his new fanged photographic passion (and so it should).
In less than no time we were on top of things in spite of some raining and fortunately it started deluging only after we finished and were safely ensconced at home drinking tea.
In less than no time we were on top of things in spite of some raining and fortunately it started deluging only after we finished and were safely ensconced at home drinking tea.
We make sure to collect all the plant that were cut down and use them as mulch/compost on all the bare patches we could see. Hopefully that will encourage some growth too.
We make sure to collect all the plant that were cut down and use them as mulch/compost on all the bare patches we could see. Hopefully that will encourage some growth too.
The usual rubbish is collected and bagged and then we were free to explore the nature delights rain or no rain!!Here the delicate petals of a Beaked Hawk's-beard (Crepis vesicaria)
The usual rubbish is collected and bagged and then we were free to explore the nature delights rain or no rain!!Here the delicate petals of a Beaked Hawk's-beard (Crepis vesicaria)
a plant with more synonyms than most but still a beautiful surprise to anyone willing to experience it. Similarly a bindweed flower (Convolvulus arvensis) has a lot of different forms but all stupendously delicate.
a plant with more synonyms than most but still a beautiful surprise to anyone willing to experience it. Similarly a bindweed flower (Convolvulus arvensis) has a lot of different forms but all stupendously delicate.
The Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is at last more abundant this year and compare the flower design to the Burdock (Arctium minus) with the unrelated Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). It always surprise me how nature reinvent itself.
The Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is at last more abundant this year and compare the flower design to the Burdock (Arctium minus) with the unrelated Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). It always surprise me how nature reinvent itself.
yet even a common (actually the number are decreasing, indicating a probable increase in nitrogen availability in the WLA soil) white clover (Trifolium repens) can be a sweet site indeed.
yet even a common (actually the number are decreasing, indicating a probable increase in nitrogen availability in the WLA soil) white clover (Trifolium repens) can be a sweet site indeed.
And even on their way out they still inspire (maybe wormwood):
And even on their way out they still inspire (maybe wormwood):
and the old favourite Buddleia still going strongly and subtly delicate (its perfume is likewise ethereal) as ever. Others have already, even if a little prematurely, started fruiting like the dog rose (Rosa canina) and the Common Vetch (Vicia sativa)
and the old favourite Buddleia still going strongly and subtly delicate (its perfume is likewise ethereal) as ever. Others have already, even if a little prematurely, started fruiting like the dog rose (Rosa canina) and the Common Vetch (Vicia sativa)
In spite of the rather cool & wet season, plenty of animal life is all about.
In spite of the rather cool & wet season, plenty of animal life is all about.
As one can imagined those that prefer a wet environment are doing particularly well. Crustacea like these Rough Woodlouse (Porcellium scaber) [tentative identification]
As one can imagined those that prefer a wet environment are doing particularly well. Crustacea like these Rough Woodlouse (Porcellium scaber) [tentative identification]
Worth mentioning is also the splendidly coloured Oedemera nobilis, also aptly known as the Thick-Legged Flower Beetle that Pete manage to photograph better a couple of weeks ago .
Worth mentioning is also the splendidly coloured Oedemera nobilis, also aptly known as the Thick-Legged Flower Beetle that Pete manage to photograph better a couple of weeks ago .
So all in all good fun and games!!
So all in all good fun and games!!
PS
PS
I have been asked why Peter is called the "Wildman of Kinglake". Well one of the clues can be gleaned from a photograph taken (with special filters) that should reveal more of his natural state.
I have been asked why Peter is called the "Wildman of Kinglake". Well one of the clues can be gleaned from a photograph taken (with special filters) that should reveal more of his natural state.
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