Nature Trail - Board 11

The hedges along the route to the fishing ponds have been coppiced. This means that they were cut back to the ground to let them rejuvenate and regrow. It has been a great success, with a healthy hedgerow full of wildlife – particularly important pollinators!

Mixed Hedge

Traditional mixed hedgerows are an important part of our ecosystem – and we manage lots of them around the park at Moss Wood. Look for a mix of species like holly, rose, buckthorn, and hawthorn. These vibrant hedgerows are more than just field boundaries! They offer:

• Food for All: Berries feed birds, while flowers nourish insects. Small mammals munch fallen leaves and nuts.
• Safe Haven: Dense branches provide shelter and nesting spots for birds and small creatures.
• Wildlife Highways: Connected hedgerows form green corridors, letting animals move safely through the landscape.
• Heritage: Hedgerows tell stories of Lancashire’s agricultural past and support the rich biodiversity of our region.

Beetle

Don’t overlook the tiny creatures beneath your feet! Moss Wood is home to a surprising variety of beetles. Look for shiny ground beetles scurrying over the soil, colourful ladybirds on leaves, or stag beetles with impressive “antlers” in the woods. Beetles play a vital role in our ecosystem:

• Natural Recyclers: They break down dead leaves and wood, enriching the soil.
• Pest Control: Many beetles eat insects that can harm crops.
• Food Chain Heroes: Beetles themselves are snacks for birds and other wildlife.

So, while you’re taking a walk around the Nature Trail, keep an eye out for Lancashire’s fascinating beetles!

Cabbage White

Keep an eye out for the Cabbage White, a familiar flutterer in Lancashire’s gardens and fields. This white butterfly, with black markings on its wingtips, frequents hedgerows and flowers from spring to autumn.

While their green caterpillars munch on brassicas like cabbages and other plants, the butterflies they turn into play a vital role in the ecosystem. They’re a food source for insectivorous birds, pollinators of many plants, and a vital link in the food chain around Moss Wood. So next time you see a Cabbage White, appreciate this beautiful pollinator flitting among the wildflowers!

Bumblebee

Keep an eye out for the fuzzy, buzzing bumblebees around Moss Wood! These important pollinators come in several varieties, each with unique colours and patterns. Look for them around flowering plants in meadows, gardens, and parks. Bumblebees love clover, wildflowers, and fruit blossoms. Their tireless work helps keep our ecosystems healthy and productive. Did you know, some bumblebee species build their nests underground? Without the hard-working bumblebees pollinating the plants, they would be far less healthy and struggle to grow – and without plants we wouldn’t have any wildlife at Moss Wood at all. So we should all be very grateful to the bees for all of their buzzing around!