2020 tree following 1: New year, new species

The twigs on the right belong to my latest subject for tree following, in Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay

Well here we are again – a new year and a need to find a new tree to follow in 2020. I think I decided a couple of months ago, despite the fact that I am breaking all my own “rules” and once more going for a group of trees rather than a magnificent solo tree (I had such good intentions when I first followed a tree in 2014 – here)…

I have been interested in these trees in Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, since I noticed the fruits for the first time in autumn and managed to identify the species – Turkish hazel or Turkish filbert (Corylus colurna).

Clearly it’s not native here but this public space seems to be full of them. They have interesting catkins in spring and nuts in autumn so I am looking forward to taking more notice of these street tree specimens throughout 2020.

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Tree following link box for January 2020

Bare white tree trunks near the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay in January

The tree-following link box has now closed for another month.

As we begin 2020 here in South Wales the weather continues to be changeable, sometimes cold and dry and at other times milder and wetter. The hours of daylight do seem to be getting slightly longer, although only by a few minutes a day.

You will find everyone’s updates below, so enjoy exploring…

Alison at the Blackberry Garden – quince – they sleep

Erika Groth in Sweden – a new tree to follow (maybe)

Flighty’s Plot – Liz’s white oak in Lexington, Kentucky, and Mike’s plum tree

Hollis – In the Company of Plants and Rocks – maybe a maple at the University of Wyoming

Pat – Squirrelbasket – Cardiff, Wales – new year, new species

Andrew – Kind Hearts and Corydalis – Oliver the oak

JayP – Amblings around Penwith (Cornwall) – a flowering dogwood – or two

Frances at Island Threads, off the North West coast of Scotland – possibly a poplar

If you are new to tree following, read all about the idea here.

Thanks so much to everyone who contributed throughout 2019. Why not join us in 2020? You could start looking for a tree to observe at any time of year, but between now and spring is usually a good time.

Just point us to any tree-related post you would like to share, using the link box published on the 7th of each month and lasting for a week. Although we all try to publish every month, we are very forgiving if you post less often.

See you next month…

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News from the world of trees 2019 #5

Here is my final round-up of tree news articles from around the world in 2019. Click on each of the pictures if you would like to read the full stories.

Frankincense trees are being tapped out

The National Geographic reports on a threat to supplies of fragrant Frankincense resin in Somaliland…

Appeal supports tree eco-therapy

As part of Trees for Life’s Rewild and Recover programme, refugees as well as people coping with poor mental health or homelessness can plant native saplings, helping the charity to rewild 10,000 acres of the Highlands. This is one of the charities supported by a Guardian appeal…

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2019 tree following 12: Year of the plane

The London plane of Mermaid Quay in December

As the year comes to its end I have to say goodbye to the London plane tree (Platanus × hispanica or Platanus × acerifolia) in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, that I have followed through the months of 2019.

I include some pictures from earlier in the year in this post, after my December observations.

The last month has been cold or wet or windy and sometimes all three, and we have had one or two overnight frosts and a couple of foggy starts to the day. I caught a crisp, sunny spell on my visit to take the latest pictures.

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Tree following link box for December 2019

Bare branches of a Turkish hazel tree (Corylus colurna) next to the Water Tower feature in Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay

The tree-following link box has now closed for another month.

As we reach the end of 2019 in South Wales the weather has been changeable. It has been lightly frosty for a week or so with red skies morning and night and occasional fog. But in the last month there have been other days with rain and wind, when the temperatures have risen to double figures.

You will find everyone’s updates below, so enjoy exploring…

Alison at the Blackberry Garden – quince – the last leaf

Flighty’s Plot – Liz’s witch hazel in Lexington, Kentucky, and Mike’s apple tree

Hollis – In the Company of Plants and Rocks – Russian hawthorn at the University of Wyoming – and a possible tree for 2020

Frances at Island Threads, off the North West coast of Scotland – hawthorn and ideas for 2020

JayP – Amblings around Penwith (Cornwall) – flowering dogwood – golden leaves and dessert for squirrels

Erika Groth in Sweden – aspens – and house goblins in winter

Pat – Squirrelbasket – the London plane of Mermaid Quay, Cardiff

If you are new to tree following, read all about the idea here.

You could start looking for a tree to observe right now. Why not join us in 2020? Just point us to any tree-related post you would like to share, using the link box published on the 7th of each month and lasting for a week. Although we all try to publish every month, we are very forgiving if you post less often.

See you next month – and next year…

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Bird’s nest is a surprise windfall

An old bird’s nest found on the lawn – and placed on a paper towel

As I was sweeping up the fallen leaves from our sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) the other day I found this old nest. I assume it must have been in the tree until the recent strong winds.

I put it on a kitchen towel and took it to show my husband, who immediately flinched in disgust thinking it was a dead rat! I admit it was a bit messy and at first glance I thought it was a dead something, too. But even that would attract my interest rather than repelling me…

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2019 tree following 11: Cold and wet

A few fallen leaves of the Mermaid Quay London plane trapped in a puddle

Despite strong winds here in Cardiff the London plane (Platanus × hispanica or Platanus × acerifolia) I am following in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, still has more leaves than many other tree species in the area.

This month the weather has been colder and wetter but with the odd day of lovely late autumn sunshine. The good thing about the rain is that it catches some of the beautiful fallen leaves in puddles, while last month they all blew away.

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