As many of you will be aware, large parts of the U.K. have been underwater. The record rains of the winter have flooded many places never flooded before. It has to be devastating for those directly effected and thankfully help is finding its way to those in need, whether it is enough help I suspect not. But the blame game started weeks ago together with a long queue of politicians, media and of course experts from every discipline from conservation to planning….as always much of the advice conflicts with the advice of others. I suspect it is a mix of solutions that is needed and no magic bullet exists. But until common sense prevails each will climb his soapbox and preach their own solutions.
So what about the veteran Oak tree above. Well one statistic quoted last week was that each mature Oak tree drinks 80 gallons of water a day……so may be the solution is to plant more Oak trees, though I guess it would be many years before they each drank the stipulated 80 gallons! The Oak above no longer produces leaves or acorns but still provides nutrients for insects and in turn food for the birds…a Treecreeper was much at home this morning seeking his lunch.
At this time of year the stumps of many veteran Oaks do look lifeless but don’t be quick to condemn…. This stump of an Oak still produces a head of growth each year, admittedly like most old men it is a little thin on top, but it isn’t giving up just yet, the spring buds are already swelling ….
More signs that spring is on the way can be found by the Lake. A Weeping Willow is now starting to flush with early spring colour. The new leaves are ready to burst, at the moment showing a yellow tinge but soon a that fresh bright green with drape the tendril like branches……
Today there is no rain, the sun will have brought a little respite for those with flooded homes, but I fear their joy may be short lived as more low pressure is heading our way.
22nd February
© David Oakes 2014
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 