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Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus or Springy Turf-moss. The shoots of this extremely common moss can grow to15 cm long, and are distinctive in the way the tapered part of the tiny leaves bend back at a right angle to the base so that they spread out and away from the stem in

Following on from the Yew - the hazel is also in flower in March. Hazel is monoecious, meaning that both male and female flowers are found on the same tree, although hazel flowers must be pollinated by pollen from other hazel trees. The yellow male catkins appear before the leaves

March and April are the months the male yew trees shed their yellow pollen. The yew is dioecious (‘di’ meaning two and ‘oikos’, from the Greek, meaning house), so the male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The male flowers, called cones, start as small green buds, then develop

This blackbird skeleton has been slowly revealing itself over the last few months and the bones have now been bleached by the weather. Did you know that bird bones are hollow and are referred to as pneumatic bones. Pneumatic bones are not only important for flight, but also for increasing

Task Day tomorrow! Where to meet: Ivy House, Hollym. Located next to the council apron on South Carr Dales Road. Time: 10 am unless otherwise stated. What to bring: A packed lunch and drink, stout boots/footwear, waterproofs, warm clothing and work gloves. Tasks usually last 3-4 hours. Contact details: Task

Even the spiders were enjoying the sun this weekend.

The jerky movements, flattened head, and stripes suggest the pale spider is of the jumping family. Possibly the Zebra jumping spider - Salticus scenicus.

Isn't it wonderful what a little bit of sunshine can do?

Did you know there are 27 types of ladybird in the UK?

The 7-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) is our most recognisable species.

It's sunbathing here on seedheads from last year's garden display.

Task Day next Sunday! Where to meet: Ivy House, Hollym. Located next to the council apron on South Carr Dales Road. Time: 10 am unless otherwise stated. What to bring: A packed lunch and drink, stout boots/footwear, waterproofs, warm clothing and work gloves. Tasks usually last 3-4 hours. Contact details:

Stands of common reeds along the edge of ditches provide a frothy wall against the elements.

They provide important habitats for birds when other ground cover is lacking.

These ivy berries will finally ripen in early spring, just as other resources have been exhausted and bird life flocks to these high energy treats.

Blackbirds, thrushes, blackcaps and starlings have all been recorded feasting on ivy berries.