Wildlife in Norsey Wood

The Warden

Having just got my bearings in the Wood, I find that the whole place is changing, and at an alarming rate. As I write this in late February there are Snowdrops, Primroses and Wood Anemones flowering, the Lesser Celandines are only days behind and there is a carpet of green shoots, promising soon to turn the woodland floor blue.

Before starting my new job at Norsey back in November, I read in one of Oliver Rackham's books that Norsey Wood is possibly one of the best sites for Bluebells in the South East, but I never imagined that their coverage would be so extensive. There have been a few warm and sunny days lately, and I'm surprised not to have seen the odd Small Tortoiseshell butterfly emerging prematurely from its hibernation, only to discover a lack of pollen. Often these early risers don't make it, as a sudden frost can catch them out. One thing I wasn't expecting to see in my early weeks was a quick glimpse of a Woodcock, that ever-elusive and well-camouflaged bird, as it zigzagged away through the trees.

At the moment it's a busy time for most of the birds in the Wood: there are territories to be fought for, mates to be found, nests to be built and the prospect of having a nest lull of gaping mouths to feed. In Norsey there are many different birds to see, but as well as the Woodcock a number of other bird species have caught my eye: a Treecreeper creeping up the side of an Oak tree, a group of 20+ Siskins twittering in the treetops, who are more than likely in Norsey for the Alder seeds (their favourite winter food source), and the raucous shouting of a Grey Heron as it flew over, warning all the crows off. It took me back to the country park I previously worked in, which had lakes and rivers. Other sightings have been put on the Wildlife Sightings board, but have so far eluded me: the Nuthatches are one, and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Redpoll, which were seen along the Norsey Road side.

Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are indeed spotted less, but are so-named because they are smaller than their 'Greater' relatives. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and Green Woodpeckers are common in Norsey, and even though they may not be seen they both can be heard - by the 'Yaffle' of the Green Woodpecker, the 'Chik' of the Greater Spotted, or just by their drumming.

As spring develops we shall begin to see those Small Tortoiseshells and other butterflies, which are associated with woodland edges, rides and glades, such as the Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Orange Tip and Comma. The ponds will be patrolled by the large dragonflies, looking for both mates and rivals. The wild flowers will be in full bloom, and of course the trees will have their full coat of leaves and flowers. Hopefully, the Nightingale will return for another season and treat us to a week or two of its famous song. Other migrants will arrive to breed, such as Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Warblers of this species will take advantage of the large numbers of insects that will also be buzzing, wriggling and scrambling about. The Sightings Board is a great way to see what's about, so if you spot anything interesting, add it on so that we can all keep an eye out.

This spring is going to be a very busy one for me, as I discover and get to know the wildlife of Norsev Wood.