How squirrels and mice break into hazel nuts

Here's a picture from the excellent Reforesting Scotland Gathering at Tighnabruaich. The site visit included a visit to Dun Beag Wood, where we found these shells. In Argyll you still find red squirrels in their original west coast home, broadleaf woodlands. Hazel nuts are an important part of their diets, but mice also eat them. In this shot, the uppermost hazel has been nibbled by a mouse, whereas the squirrel will always crack the nut in half, as seen in the lower example.

Big tree, little tree....

Rowan are the first trees to lose their leaves, with their berries hanging on for much longer. These two rowans give the impression that autumn is well advanced, must the vast majority of leaves are still green......autumn proper is only properly kicking in now.

Looking out over Highland Perthshire.....

From the top of Schiehallion looking towards Loch Tummel.......

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The Nut Wood

The Nut Wood is a good example of an Atlantic Hazelwood. The wood is mostly Hazel, with only a few Ash, Oak and Alder standing out above the rest of the wood. We've been working with Ardkinglas Estate to expand and restore the wood.



The wood is on a popular routes to one of Argyll's Munros, Beinn Bhuide. This subtle bit of interpretation provides more information on the wood. The text panel folds back into the oak post after use.

Deer can have a big impact on native woodlands. At the Nut Wood deer fencing has been used to stop them eating the young trees. I passed these red hinds just beside the wood.

Loch Venachar in the Trossachs......

Here are three of the four lochs I passed today on the way from Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire to Aberfoyle in the heart of the Trossachs. The mist had not long cleared in this shot........birch tree on the left, ash on the right, willow shrub in the middle.

The one loch I forgot to photograph was loch Lubnaig........

Birch tree left, ash tree right

Oak trees guarding over Loch Tay

West end of Loch Earn........

Sponsored Fun Run

I've dug out my running shoes to raise money for Scottish Native Woods, to help us with the conservation and expansion of our native trees in Scotland. Trees are vital to us they are our lungs, as well as being a haven for wildlife. But the amount of land with native trees in Scotland is down to 2%.
Your donation will help us to remove the non-native conifers and invasive plants, and re-plant the native species, as well as raising awareness. working with children, connecting people with the environment.
On 10th October, I'll be taking part in a Fun-Run in Perth. Don't know how much fun it will be after all these years of no exercise, maybe you should sponsor me per metre in case that's all I manage.

All you have to do is click on www.justgiving.com/chris-childe/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
Many thanks
Chris

Caption Competition

Do you recognise these feet? Could it be pioneering footwear sported at Bighearted Scotland Awards last week? A prize for the best caption. Post them here!