February 26, 2025 • 36 mins
This week's Wildlife Matters podcast focuses on Signals of Spring: A Tale of the Hazel Tree and Woodpeckers Drumming.
While the hazel tree, scientifically known as Corylus avellana, proliferates throughout the UK, its considerable ecological and historical contributions remain underappreciated.
In Wildlife Matters Nature News, we delve into the concerning news emerging from the River Wandle. A catastrophic oil spill has devastatingly harmed local wildlife and ecosystems, particularly during this critical nesting and spawning period.
This week's Mindful Moments will also include time in nature to provide solace amidst these troubling developments. The theme is woodpeckers' resonant sounds as they establish their territories in the early spring.
The latest episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the often-overlooked hazel tree, a species that has been integral to human existence for centuries yet remains underappreciated in contemporary society. With its male flowers or catkins making a striking appearance in late winter, the hazel tree offers aesthetic value and a vital ecological role. This episode not only explores the biological intricacies of the hazel tree — including its unique reproductive strategies and the diverse wildlife it supports — but also highlights its historical significance in human culture, from providing sustenance to serving as a medium for folklore and traditional crafts.
Additionally, the episode does not shy away from discussing the urgent nature news regarding environmental crises, such as the recent oil spill affecting the River Wandle, emphasizing the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. The interplay between the beauty of the hazel tree and the stark realities of wildlife conservation is a poignant theme throughout, reminding listeners of the delicate balance within our natural world.
Takeaways:
- The oil spill at the River Wandle has severely affected local wildlife and ecosystems.
- The hazel tree is a vital part of British woodlands and has a rich history.
- Woodpeckers use drumming as a means of claiming territory and attracting mates.
- Hazel trees provide food and habitat for various species, including insects and birds.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Environment Agency
- Merton Council
- Thames Water
- London Fire Brigade
- Transport for London
- DEFRA
- Southeast Rivers Trust
- National Trust
- Wildlife Matters
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:26):
Hello and welcome to this oneweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
And in this week's WildlifeMatters, we examine one of the most
commonly seen trees in the uk.
Humans have used this tree forcenturies, but it remains underappreciated
today.
Of course, that is the hazel tree.
(00:48):
This week's mindful moments isa sound you will recognize if you
have recently walked in yourlocal woodlands.
Tis one of the incredible waysthat wildlife claims territory and
attracts a mate.
And much of the wildlife worldis currently focused on this.
But first, let's take sometime to catch up on this week's Wildlife
(01:10):
Matters Nature News, whichbegins at the River Wandle, a chalk
stream.
Wildlife Matters has spentmany years working with local people
and groups to improve theRiver Wandl, which has suffered the
devastation of an oil spillage.
So, with so much to cover,let's get straight on over and join
(01:31):
me.
At the news desk for this week's.
Wildlife Matters Nature News.
(01:54):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And we start off with twostories, actually, that are very
close to our hearts here atWildlife Matters.
And that is the story of 4000liters of diesel being spilt into
the River Wandle.
Public concerns about animpending environmental disaster
(02:17):
have risen after approximately4,000 litres of diesel was leaked
from a storage tank at a busdepot in Croydon on Tuesday last
week, contaminating the riverand local wildlife.
The diesel is believed to haveentered the River Wandle in Thornton
Heath, which will have anegative impact on wildlife and water
(02:41):
quality from Wallingtonthrough to Wandsworth.
Reports indicate that birdshave been coated in oil, making it
difficult to clean themselvesand to survive in the polluted water.
Emergency response teams fromthe Environment Agency.
Are working to contain the spill.
(03:02):
Still, concerns remainregarding the extent of the damage
and local MP Bobby Dean thatthe community has made tremendous
efforts to restore the RiverWandle, making this pollution insufficient
incident particularly heartbreaking.
And a local resident whoattempted to assist the wildlife
(03:23):
told Wildlife Matters that thewildlife here is already in distress.
I can't imagine therepercussions for the fragile ecosystem
along the river.
This should never havehappened and those responsible must
face severe consequences.
A spokesman for Merton Councilstated that the spill had left the
(03:48):
animals covered in oil at theWatermead Nature Reserve in Mitcham.
They added that theEnvironment Agency leads a multi
agency response, workingalongside council officials, Thames
Water and the London Fire Brigade.
Additionally, they cautionedlocals to avoid touching.
(04:09):
The water or allowing theirpets to enter it.
Labour Councillor StuartNevison took to social.
Media to commend the firecrews and.
Officers for stopping the flowand removing pollutants from the
river.
In November 2023, theEnvironment Agency launched a week
(04:30):
long initiative to educatelocal businesses about the effects
of pollution on the River Wandle.
Tom Haisler, Project managerand environmental Officer, noted
the diffuse pollution fromindustrial estates poses a serious
and ongoing issue in the area.
(04:51):
Thames Water still continuesto discharge sewage into the river
and plans to do so until 2035.
In the 12 months leading up toDecember 2023, 13 pollution incidents
in the River Wandle resultedin more than 25 hours of straw sewage
(05:15):
discharge.
In August 2022, social mediausers shared images of the River
Wandle running brown due tothe release from a nearby sewage
works and residents reportedthat back in 2009 the river had turned
milky with dead fish scatteredthroughout the area.
(05:37):
At that time the Guardianhighlighted the.
Residents efforts to rescuechub roach, dace and barbel by transferring
them into buckets of clean water.
But tragically they were too late.
Although one man managed tosave several large eels, they ultimately
succumbed to bleeding throughtheir gills.
(06:00):
Local Labour MP SiobhanMcDonagh has called for accountability
following this significantenvironmental crises.
Involving the 4,000 litres ofdiesel spilling into the River Wandle.
The MP for Mitcham and Morden,stated on social media that she contacted
the Environment Agency tounderstand the circumstances of the
(06:22):
leak.
While the Environment Agencyis present on site, the long term
effects of the environmentaldisaster remain uncertain.
McDonough expressed her deepconcern about the potential impact
on wildlife, particularly in and.
Around the Water Mead NatureReserve, and.
She noted that a coordinatedresponse team has been established
(06:46):
to manage the spill andexpedite cleanup efforts.
In a statement To WildlifeMatters, McDonough mentioned that
various absorbent materialshad been deployed in the river to
soak up.
The diesel and she vowed that once.
Containment is achieved, shewill ensure that those responsible
(07:07):
are held accountable for their actions.
She also said that we need toidentify the responsible parties
for this spill and hold themaccountable, but our priority right
now must be limiting theenvironmental damage.
After the containment effortsare complete, the Environment Agency
will send their ecologists toassess the spill's impact on the
(07:31):
local wildlife, followed by areview to identify the responsible
parties.
The incident is not the first case.
Of pollution affecting theRiver Wandle.
Industrial waste hasfrequently been released.
Our second story on thisweek's at Wildlife Matters Nature
(07:52):
News is when Wildlife Matterswent to the River Wandle, which is
a site we work on and this isour own report from that visit.
According to officials,thousands of Litres of diesel have
been spilt into the RiverWandle, a rare chalk stream in South
London.
The Environment Agencybelieves diesel entered the river
(08:14):
through surface water drains,impacting on wildlife and ecosystems.
The river is home to wildlifesuch as brown trout and kingfishers.
A spokesman for theEnvironment Agency told Wildlife
Matters that officers wereimmediately dispatched.
To the River Wandle uponreceiving reports of an oil spill
(08:37):
so they could.
Minimize damage to the localenvironment and wildlife.
They said that they have beenworking with the London Fire Brigade
and we have implementedmeasures to stop the leak.
The spill, believed to haveoriginated from a storage tank at
a nearby bus depot, isexpected to impact the Wandle from
(08:58):
Beddington through toWandsworth over the coming days.
We are currently gatheringevidence and assessing the environmental
impact for our investigators.
The pollution source issuspected to be the bus depot at
Thornton Heath, Croydon.
A Transport for Londonrepresentative told us.
(09:19):
That a full investigation isunderway regarding.
The leak last Tuesday.
Protecting the environment isfundamental to everything we do,
and we're working closely withthe Environment Agency, the London
Fire Brigade and MertonCouncil to limit the environmental
impact.
Any pollution in London'swaterways is entirely unacceptable
(09:43):
and we will play our part inaddressing river pollution from both
the roads we manage and ourvehicle fleet, the spokesman said.
The River Wandle flows ninemiles from.
Its source at the Thames.
It became heavilyindustrialized from the 17th through
to the 19th century centuries,resulting in severe pollution.
(10:07):
According to the SoutheastRivers Trust, the waterway was considered
ecologically dead for many years.
However, in recent years,significant efforts have been made
to clean up the river, whichis now a popular walking trail.
And the river is home tospecies such as brown trout, the
(10:29):
key species for chalk streamsthat were reintroduced.
But the Wandl and surroundinghabitats also includes kingfishers,
damselflies, bats and otherwildlife species, including plenty
a variety of waterfowl.
Chalk streams are a globallyrare habitat, primarily found in
(10:51):
England.
They face various threats,including climate change, excessive
water obstruction andpollution from farming, urban runoff
and sewage.
The National Trust, whichmanages nearby Mordenhall park and
the Watermead Nature Reserve,said they had awareness of a significant
(11:13):
diesel.
Spill that had entered theWandle upstream from the park.
A spokesman for the NationalTrust told Wildlife Matters, we are
closely monitoring thewetlands within the park and at the
Watermead Nature Reserve forany visible impacts on the wildlife
and the rare habitats.
Our waterways and wetlands areprecious environments and any pollution
(11:37):
incident can significantlyaffect our wildlife.
Our teams are collaboratingclosely with the.
Environment Agency to ensurethe site can recover as quickly as
possible.
And the third story on thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News
is that the UK government hasannounced that avian influenza, commonly
(12:01):
known as bird flu, has nowbeen confirmed in grey seals along
the North Norfolk coastline.
This update comes from defra,the Department for the Environment,
Food and Rural affairs, whichclosely monitors the country's bird
flu situation.
In addition to the seals,several wild birds in the same region
(12:23):
have also tested positive forthe disease, raising concerns about
the potential for interspecies transmission.
DEFRA has confirmed thatmammals such as.
Seals interacting closely withinfected wild birds or are in contaminated
environments can contractavian influenza.
(12:46):
In a statement to WildlifeMatters that feels a deliberate distraction,
DEFRA said that the number ofgreat seals affected has not exceeded
the typical annual mortalityrates for that particular site.
When asked what the annualrates had been in the past, they
(13:06):
declined to comment.
It concludes that it isimportant to note that at this time
no evidence indicates anincreased risk to other non avian
wildlife species and thesituation remains under a continuous
review as authorities remain vigilant.
In a related development, thegovernment reported on February 19
(13:31):
that three new cases of avianinfluenza had been identified in
poultry on commercial farms inEast Yorkshire.
As a precaution, culling hasbeen mandated for the affected farms
near Market Weighton.
To mitigate the spread of thedisease, the government has implemented
(13:51):
mandatory housing orders forpoultry in extensive areas of England
and Northern Ireland.
This is part of a broaderstrategy that includes biosecurity
measures, which are beenenforced under the Avian Influenza
Prevention zone, or an AIPZ,and have been active in England since
(14:12):
January 2024.
DEFRA said that theseprotocols are crucial in safeguarding
both wildlife and livestockfrom potential outbreaks of avian
influenza.
Food for thought and that isthe end of this week's Wildlife Matters
(14:34):
Nature.
The news this week from theRiver Wandle is difficult.
(14:56):
Wildlife Matters has worked onthe River Wandle initially as a volunteer
and more.
Recently with Water QualitySurvey volunteers.
So this story hits us hard.
To see the waterfowl, likemallards and coops coated in diesel
fuel, is genuinely heartbreaking.
(15:17):
And the timing.
Just as the birds are nestingand the fish are spawning, this oil
spill will have a devastatingimpact on the wildlife that call
the river home, as well asdestroying biodiversity within the
many and varied habitats thatare the River Wandle.
(15:38):
I feel that we need this week's.
Mindful moments so much and itis one of the incredible ways that
wildlife.
Claims a territory to raiseits young in the early spring.
So if you can sit back andrelax and join us as we spend.
Some Soothing, relaxing timein nature.
(15:59):
In this week's WildlifeMatters mindful moments.
(17:20):
Sound OF WOODPECKERS DRUMMINGis resonating around.
Our woodlands right now.
It serves as a warning to theother male woodpeckers that he is
in his his territory.
It also attracts femalewoodpeckers who will be impressed
by the loud and rhythmicdrumming, which indicates that he
(17:42):
not only has a territory and asuitable place for her to nest.
There are three woodpeckerspecies in Britain.
The green woodpecker, oftenknown as the yaffle due to its call,
is a ground feeder and thatdoes nest in.
The hollows in trees.
But it doesn't drum or claimterritories in quite the same way
(18:04):
as the lesser spotted woodpecker.
Now, the lesser spottedwoodpeckers are tiny sparrow sized
woodpeckers that are sadly in.
Decline here in the UK and are.
Now classified as endangered.
Now, they do drum and claim their.
Territory, but their sound isfaster and has less resonance than
(18:29):
their larger cousins, thegreater spotted woodpecker.
Over the last two to threedecades, the greater spotted woodpecker
has grown in numbers andspread across the broader range within
the uk.
They're now found not only inwoodlands, but in parks and gardens
(18:51):
where they are often usinggarden feeders.
Our recording was of a greaterspotted woodpecker and it is most
likely that this is thespecies that you will hear drumming
if you head out into the woodsfor a walk this week.
(19:28):
Now it's time for this week'sWildlife Matters main feature, where
we are looking at one of themost commonly seen trees in Britain,
especially now in late winter,as they have the male flight flowers
or catkins hanging from theirbranches, providing a splash of yellowy
(19:48):
green color.
To the woodlands before theleaves have.
Come out on the hazel orindeed any of our other deciduous
trees.
So welcome to our localwoodland as we set off on a journey
to discover a hugelyunderrated tree that has played some
such a vital role for ourancestors and still helps our lives
(20:12):
today in so many ways and manythat we may not even know about.
So here it is.
This week's Wildlife Mattersmain feature looks at the wonderful
hazel tree.
(20:40):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
And today we're talking abouta tree.
That is commonly found allaround the uk.
It's known as the common hazelor Corylus avalana.
The common hazel prefers nonacidic moist soil and is usually
(21:03):
found in parklands, hedgerowsand woodlands where hazel forms the
understory.
It is a native deciduous tree from.
The betulacea family, whichincludes six genera of deciduous
nut bearing trees.
An uncoppiced hazel can growup to 12, maybe even 1515 meters
(21:28):
in height.
And can live for up to 80 years.
However, one coppiced hazelcan thrive for several hundred years.
Bark of a hazel tree is smoothwith yellow pores and usually it's
light brown.
It becomes slightly darkerwith age, especially if it's been
(21:49):
left uncoppiced.
The leaves of hazel are broad,almost circular and distinctively
tipped.
The underside of the leaf hastiny soft downy hairs, while the
outer edge.
Is slip toothed and serrated.
Hazel trees are monoecious,meaning each tree has both male and
(22:14):
female reproductive parts.
However, they require pollenfrom another hazel tree tree for
successful pollination and areprimarily pollinated by the wind.
The male catkins emerge aheadof the leaf cover often in January
or February and hang inclusters towards the end of the tree's
(22:37):
branches.
A single catkin can have over200 unisexual male flowers and will
drop off the tree after it'sreleased its pollen.
The female flowers are red andtiny and found in a flower bud on
the branch above the catkin.
(22:58):
Each flower has two crimsonstigmas that stick out at the top
and it's these stigmas thatare receptive to the pollen that's
released from the male catkins.
Once pollinated, each flowerbud develops into a cluster of 1
to 3 or hazelnuts.
(23:18):
The hazelnuts can be seen fromlate summer until they're fully ripened
in the early autumn.
They may start to fall in September.
As they darken a little,developing a woody brown shell.
Hazel trees are usually multistemmed in old woodlands.
They are cut repeatedly everyeight years on a rotational basis
(23:43):
to produce poles, an ancientcraft known as coppicing.
Today, hazel coppice hasbecome an important.
Management strategy inconserving woodland habitats for
wildlife.
Of course, hazelnuts are avaluable food.
Source for many wildlifespecies and hazel trees provide valuable
(24:08):
habitat for wildlife rangingfrom insects to small mammals.
Ground nesting birds like thenightingale, yellowhammer, nightjar
and willow warbler use hazeltrees as shelter.
At the same time, these trees provide.
Food for other birds such asnuthatches and jays.
(24:30):
Hazel pollen is a great highprotein snack for bees that emerge
early in winter and are hungryfrom hibernation on.
A sunny winter's day.
Do look out for bees on the catkins.
Several moss caterpillars relyon hazel for their very survival
(24:51):
and its leaves provide foodfor several other moth species, including.
The large emerald, the smallwhite wave.
The barred umber and the nuttree tussock.
In woodlands where hazel iscopied, the.
Habitat is open and rich inwildflowers, providing an ideal environment
(25:11):
for butterflies, especiallythe fritillaries.
When coppicing hazel, theprimary method is to cut the stems
as close to the ground aspossible, ideally within 5cm of the
soil level to encouragevigorous regrowth from the stump.
This technique createsmultiple new shoots from a single
(25:34):
stool.
Coppicing is typically done inthe winter during the dormant season
to maximize the potential fornew growth.
Before cutting the stems, itis important to clear the area around
the stalk.
Start by removing the outerstems, then.
Work towards the center.
(25:56):
The coppicing process involvesregularly cutting the.
Hazel back to ground level.
This practice allows morelight to reach the woodland floor,
promoting a greater variety.
Of flora and supporting awider range of insect life.
Hazel trees are oftenassociated with dormice, also known
(26:18):
as hazel dormice.
And in spring, the hazelleaves are good for caterpillars,
which are also a good foodsource for hungry dormice that are
emerging from theirhibernation later in autumn.
Hazelnuts become a significantfood source for many small woodland
creatures, including the hazel.
(26:38):
Dormouse, but also squirrels,voles, shrews, woodpeckers, nuthatches,
various tit species, woodpigeons and.
Of course, jays, as well asmany other zones.
Small mouths.
The dense nutrition ofhazelnuts help these.
Animals to store energy andfat to.
(27:00):
Survive during the colder months.
Hazel flowers also serve as anearly pollen source for bees.
However, collecting thatpollen can be challenging for the
bees as the hazel pollen isnot sticky and each grain repels
against another.
Coppicing is a technique thathelps the hazel tree last longer,
(27:23):
but it can be threatened bygrazing deer that like to eat the
new growth.
Often known as the shoots or develop.
Hazel trunks are often coveredin mosses and liverworts and lichens,
while the fiery milk cutfungus grows beneath the soil.
Hazelnuts have been a staplefood in human diets since the Stone
(27:47):
Age.
Archaeological excavations inFlanders in Belgium discovered evidence
that people roasted hazelnutsto preserve them through the winter
during the Stone Ages.
Today, hazelnuts are grown asa food crop in many countries, including
Turkey, Italy, Spain, the USand of course here in the uk.
(28:12):
You might be familiar withhazelnut chocolate spreads such as
Nutella pralines, containinghazelnuts and chopped hazelnuts,
used to bake biscuits, cakes,pastries, desserts and sweets.
The tree's leaves have alsobeen used.
As a source of nourishment.
In the 15th century hazelleaves were used to make a dish called
(28:35):
knottai, a spicy slow cooked Stew.
And in 18th century Scotland,people ground.
Hazel leaves to make flour tomake biscuits and bread.
Whilst in Slovakia, driedcatkins were used to be ground into
flour.
According to some sources,Hazelnuts can contain 15% protein.
(28:59):
They are rich in fatty acids, vitamins.
And minerals, includingvitamins E and B, especially B6,
zinc, iron, calcium,potassium, selenium and magnesium.
Hazelnuts were once widelycultivated in the UK but have become
(29:20):
less popular in the last century.
Today, Kent is the primaryarea where hazelnuts, which are known
as cobs, are cultivated.
But most of the hazelnuts usedin vegan, dairy, free milk and chocolate
products.
Are in fact imported.
Foraging for hazelnuts ispossible as they are easily identified
(29:43):
and widely available in theBritish countryside.
However, it is important toforage responsibly and only eat what
you are sure is safe.
If you are unsure about what you.
Have found, it is always best to.
Avoid it and never eatsomething you cannot confidently
(30:03):
identify.
Hazel has been used in herbal medicines.
For centuries, hazel flowersor catkins were used as a medicinal
tea to treat colds and flu.
A hazel bark decoction is said to.
Help reduce fever whilst theleaves can help to stop diarrhea.
(30:26):
The bark has also been used totreat cuts and boils and the ash
of burnt hazel is said to helpwith burns.
Hazel leaves can stimulateblood circulation and bile secretion
and are used in liver.
Or gallbladder complaint remedies.
(30:47):
Bark leaves, flowers, catkinsand nuts are.
All considered astringent,wound healing, blood purifying, fever
fighting and sweat inducing.
However, they have been usedsparingly in herbal medicine.
In the cosmetics industry,hazelnut oil is a nourishing ingredient
(31:09):
in body and hand creams,lotions, soaps and face masks.
Hazel has been used fortraditional purposes.
Including fencing, hurdles,walking sticks, baskets to.
Make furniture and thatching spas.
These products are still usedtoday and.
(31:30):
Are a testament to the tree'sversatility and longevity.
In folklore, the hazel tree isreputed to be magical.
A hazel rod is believed to beprotect against evil spirits and
historians have also notedthat hazelnuts were once worn as
charms thought to bring goodluck and to ward off rheumatism symptoms.
(31:55):
During the medieval era, thetree was.
Believed to boost fertility,to bring luck.
And crop growth in theupcoming year and to enhance the
fertility within the community.
In Celtic folklore, the hazeltree is associated with the goddess
Brigid, believed to bringdivine inspiration.
(32:18):
The forked branches of hazelwere and.
Still are used for dowsing.
An ancient belief is that the protective.
Qualities of hazel made into astaff was the accessory of choice
for pilgrims, shepherds andother countryside wanderers.
The air surrounding hazeltrees is said to be magically charged
(32:39):
with quicksilver energy ofexhilaration and inspiration.
The hazel tree is asignificant part of our culture and
mythology.
Hazel wands were consideredmagical and used to make and grant
wishes.
Norse God Thor regarded thehazel as the tree of knowledge, while
(33:01):
in Welsh and Irish folklore itwas believed to be a fairy tree.
Hazel was also found near HolyWells and associated with Tara, the
ancient seat of Irish king.
The legendary Irish warriorsthe Fianna used hazel sticks and
shields to defend themselves.
(33:23):
The word cull, scottish forhazel, is part of many place names
including the island of ColeBarcaldin in Argyll and Colton Hill
in Edinburgh.
The hazel is the clan badge ofthe clan Cahoon.
In the Ogham tree Alphabet itrepresents the letter C.
(33:45):
The phrase in a nutshell comesfrom the belief that hazelnuts contained
bite sized wisdom.
The hazel tree is sun sounderrated today, it provides food
and shelter for wildlife andis an excellent source of protein
and vitamin rich food forhumans and wildlife.
(34:08):
Hazel wood is commonly used tomake woven baskets, fence hurdles
and walking sticks, while thethinner branches serve well as bean
poles and garden plant support.
And of course, it is also abeautiful tree and an essential part
of the understory of a nativebroadleaved woodland.
(34:33):
And that's the end of this week's.
Wildlife Matters main featurewhere we've looked at the common
but also incredibly specialhazel tree.
(34:59):
Well, we hope you enjoyed ourmain feature which was a deep dive
into the magnificent hazel tree.
And I hope you've learned thatthis unassuming tree, which you will
find all over Britain, hasplayed such a vital role in the lives
of our ancestors and featuredin their food, their medicine cupboards,
(35:22):
their DIY projects and their folklore.
I want to say hello andwelcome to our new listeners.
We hope you will like,subscribe and share the Wildlife
Matters podcast to help usreach other wildlife friends and
enthusiasts.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks when we will be looking
(35:43):
at the spring equinox andsharing some fascinating stories
and insights.
And of course, we will havethe very latest nature news and spend
time in nature with mindfulmoments to get out into nature as
much as possible this latewinter, early spring.
(36:06):
And as always, keep safe wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning off.
Hello and welcome to this oneweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
And in this week's WildlifeMatters, we examine one of the most
commonly seen trees in the uk.
Humans have used this tree forcenturies, but it remains underappreciated
today.
Of course, that is the hazel tree.
(00:48):
This week's mindful moments isa sound you will recognize if you
have recently walked in yourlocal woodlands.
Tis one of the incredible waysthat wildlife claims territory and
attracts a mate.
And much of the wildlife worldis currently focused on this.
But first, let's take sometime to catch up on this week's Wildlife
(01:10):
Matters Nature News, whichbegins at the River Wandle, a chalk
stream.
Wildlife Matters has spentmany years working with local people
and groups to improve theRiver Wandl, which has suffered the
devastation of an oil spillage.
So, with so much to cover,let's get straight on over and join
(01:31):
me.
At the news desk for this week's.
Wildlife Matters Nature News.
(01:54):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And we start off with twostories, actually, that are very
close to our hearts here atWildlife Matters.
And that is the story of 4000liters of diesel being spilt into
the River Wandle.
Public concerns about animpending environmental disaster
(02:17):
have risen after approximately4,000 litres of diesel was leaked
from a storage tank at a busdepot in Croydon on Tuesday last
week, contaminating the riverand local wildlife.
The diesel is believed to haveentered the River Wandle in Thornton
Heath, which will have anegative impact on wildlife and water
(02:41):
quality from Wallingtonthrough to Wandsworth.
Reports indicate that birdshave been coated in oil, making it
difficult to clean themselvesand to survive in the polluted water.
Emergency response teams fromthe Environment Agency.
Are working to contain the spill.
(03:02):
Still, concerns remainregarding the extent of the damage
and local MP Bobby Dean thatthe community has made tremendous
efforts to restore the RiverWandle, making this pollution insufficient
incident particularly heartbreaking.
And a local resident whoattempted to assist the wildlife
(03:23):
told Wildlife Matters that thewildlife here is already in distress.
I can't imagine therepercussions for the fragile ecosystem
along the river.
This should never havehappened and those responsible must
face severe consequences.
A spokesman for Merton Councilstated that the spill had left the
(03:48):
animals covered in oil at theWatermead Nature Reserve in Mitcham.
They added that theEnvironment Agency leads a multi
agency response, workingalongside council officials, Thames
Water and the London Fire Brigade.
Additionally, they cautionedlocals to avoid touching.
(04:09):
The water or allowing theirpets to enter it.
Labour Councillor StuartNevison took to social.
Media to commend the firecrews and.
Officers for stopping the flowand removing pollutants from the
river.
In November 2023, theEnvironment Agency launched a week
(04:30):
long initiative to educatelocal businesses about the effects
of pollution on the River Wandle.
Tom Haisler, Project managerand environmental Officer, noted
the diffuse pollution fromindustrial estates poses a serious
and ongoing issue in the area.
(04:51):
Thames Water still continuesto discharge sewage into the river
and plans to do so until 2035.
In the 12 months leading up toDecember 2023, 13 pollution incidents
in the River Wandle resultedin more than 25 hours of straw sewage
(05:15):
discharge.
In August 2022, social mediausers shared images of the River
Wandle running brown due tothe release from a nearby sewage
works and residents reportedthat back in 2009 the river had turned
milky with dead fish scatteredthroughout the area.
(05:37):
At that time the Guardianhighlighted the.
Residents efforts to rescuechub roach, dace and barbel by transferring
them into buckets of clean water.
But tragically they were too late.
Although one man managed tosave several large eels, they ultimately
succumbed to bleeding throughtheir gills.
(06:00):
Local Labour MP SiobhanMcDonagh has called for accountability
following this significantenvironmental crises.
Involving the 4,000 litres ofdiesel spilling into the River Wandle.
The MP for Mitcham and Morden,stated on social media that she contacted
the Environment Agency tounderstand the circumstances of the
(06:22):
leak.
While the Environment Agencyis present on site, the long term
effects of the environmentaldisaster remain uncertain.
McDonough expressed her deepconcern about the potential impact
on wildlife, particularly in and.
Around the Water Mead NatureReserve, and.
She noted that a coordinatedresponse team has been established
(06:46):
to manage the spill andexpedite cleanup efforts.
In a statement To WildlifeMatters, McDonough mentioned that
various absorbent materialshad been deployed in the river to
soak up.
The diesel and she vowed that once.
Containment is achieved, shewill ensure that those responsible
(07:07):
are held accountable for their actions.
She also said that we need toidentify the responsible parties
for this spill and hold themaccountable, but our priority right
now must be limiting theenvironmental damage.
After the containment effortsare complete, the Environment Agency
will send their ecologists toassess the spill's impact on the
(07:31):
local wildlife, followed by areview to identify the responsible
parties.
The incident is not the first case.
Of pollution affecting theRiver Wandle.
Industrial waste hasfrequently been released.
Our second story on thisweek's at Wildlife Matters Nature
(07:52):
News is when Wildlife Matterswent to the River Wandle, which is
a site we work on and this isour own report from that visit.
According to officials,thousands of Litres of diesel have
been spilt into the RiverWandle, a rare chalk stream in South
London.
The Environment Agencybelieves diesel entered the river
(08:14):
through surface water drains,impacting on wildlife and ecosystems.
The river is home to wildlifesuch as brown trout and kingfishers.
A spokesman for theEnvironment Agency told Wildlife
Matters that officers wereimmediately dispatched.
To the River Wandle uponreceiving reports of an oil spill
(08:37):
so they could.
Minimize damage to the localenvironment and wildlife.
They said that they have beenworking with the London Fire Brigade
and we have implementedmeasures to stop the leak.
The spill, believed to haveoriginated from a storage tank at
a nearby bus depot, isexpected to impact the Wandle from
(08:58):
Beddington through toWandsworth over the coming days.
We are currently gatheringevidence and assessing the environmental
impact for our investigators.
The pollution source issuspected to be the bus depot at
Thornton Heath, Croydon.
A Transport for Londonrepresentative told us.
(09:19):
That a full investigation isunderway regarding.
The leak last Tuesday.
Protecting the environment isfundamental to everything we do,
and we're working closely withthe Environment Agency, the London
Fire Brigade and MertonCouncil to limit the environmental
impact.
Any pollution in London'swaterways is entirely unacceptable
(09:43):
and we will play our part inaddressing river pollution from both
the roads we manage and ourvehicle fleet, the spokesman said.
The River Wandle flows ninemiles from.
Its source at the Thames.
It became heavilyindustrialized from the 17th through
to the 19th century centuries,resulting in severe pollution.
(10:07):
According to the SoutheastRivers Trust, the waterway was considered
ecologically dead for many years.
However, in recent years,significant efforts have been made
to clean up the river, whichis now a popular walking trail.
And the river is home tospecies such as brown trout, the
(10:29):
key species for chalk streamsthat were reintroduced.
But the Wandl and surroundinghabitats also includes kingfishers,
damselflies, bats and otherwildlife species, including plenty
a variety of waterfowl.
Chalk streams are a globallyrare habitat, primarily found in
(10:51):
England.
They face various threats,including climate change, excessive
water obstruction andpollution from farming, urban runoff
and sewage.
The National Trust, whichmanages nearby Mordenhall park and
the Watermead Nature Reserve,said they had awareness of a significant
(11:13):
diesel.
Spill that had entered theWandle upstream from the park.
A spokesman for the NationalTrust told Wildlife Matters, we are
closely monitoring thewetlands within the park and at the
Watermead Nature Reserve forany visible impacts on the wildlife
and the rare habitats.
Our waterways and wetlands areprecious environments and any pollution
(11:37):
incident can significantlyaffect our wildlife.
Our teams are collaboratingclosely with the.
Environment Agency to ensurethe site can recover as quickly as
possible.
And the third story on thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News
is that the UK government hasannounced that avian influenza, commonly
(12:01):
known as bird flu, has nowbeen confirmed in grey seals along
the North Norfolk coastline.
This update comes from defra,the Department for the Environment,
Food and Rural affairs, whichclosely monitors the country's bird
flu situation.
In addition to the seals,several wild birds in the same region
(12:23):
have also tested positive forthe disease, raising concerns about
the potential for interspecies transmission.
DEFRA has confirmed thatmammals such as.
Seals interacting closely withinfected wild birds or are in contaminated
environments can contractavian influenza.
(12:46):
In a statement to WildlifeMatters that feels a deliberate distraction,
DEFRA said that the number ofgreat seals affected has not exceeded
the typical annual mortalityrates for that particular site.
When asked what the annualrates had been in the past, they
(13:06):
declined to comment.
It concludes that it isimportant to note that at this time
no evidence indicates anincreased risk to other non avian
wildlife species and thesituation remains under a continuous
review as authorities remain vigilant.
In a related development, thegovernment reported on February 19
(13:31):
that three new cases of avianinfluenza had been identified in
poultry on commercial farms inEast Yorkshire.
As a precaution, culling hasbeen mandated for the affected farms
near Market Weighton.
To mitigate the spread of thedisease, the government has implemented
(13:51):
mandatory housing orders forpoultry in extensive areas of England
and Northern Ireland.
This is part of a broaderstrategy that includes biosecurity
measures, which are beenenforced under the Avian Influenza
Prevention zone, or an AIPZ,and have been active in England since
(14:12):
January 2024.
DEFRA said that theseprotocols are crucial in safeguarding
both wildlife and livestockfrom potential outbreaks of avian
influenza.
Food for thought and that isthe end of this week's Wildlife Matters
(14:34):
Nature.
The news this week from theRiver Wandle is difficult.
(14:56):
Wildlife Matters has worked onthe River Wandle initially as a volunteer
and more.
Recently with Water QualitySurvey volunteers.
So this story hits us hard.
To see the waterfowl, likemallards and coops coated in diesel
fuel, is genuinely heartbreaking.
(15:17):
And the timing.
Just as the birds are nestingand the fish are spawning, this oil
spill will have a devastatingimpact on the wildlife that call
the river home, as well asdestroying biodiversity within the
many and varied habitats thatare the River Wandle.
(15:38):
I feel that we need this week's.
Mindful moments so much and itis one of the incredible ways that
wildlife.
Claims a territory to raiseits young in the early spring.
So if you can sit back andrelax and join us as we spend.
Some Soothing, relaxing timein nature.
(15:59):
In this week's WildlifeMatters mindful moments.
(17:20):
Sound OF WOODPECKERS DRUMMINGis resonating around.
Our woodlands right now.
It serves as a warning to theother male woodpeckers that he is
in his his territory.
It also attracts femalewoodpeckers who will be impressed
by the loud and rhythmicdrumming, which indicates that he
(17:42):
not only has a territory and asuitable place for her to nest.
There are three woodpeckerspecies in Britain.
The green woodpecker, oftenknown as the yaffle due to its call,
is a ground feeder and thatdoes nest in.
The hollows in trees.
But it doesn't drum or claimterritories in quite the same way
(18:04):
as the lesser spotted woodpecker.
Now, the lesser spottedwoodpeckers are tiny sparrow sized
woodpeckers that are sadly in.
Decline here in the UK and are.
Now classified as endangered.
Now, they do drum and claim their.
Territory, but their sound isfaster and has less resonance than
(18:29):
their larger cousins, thegreater spotted woodpecker.
Over the last two to threedecades, the greater spotted woodpecker
has grown in numbers andspread across the broader range within
the uk.
They're now found not only inwoodlands, but in parks and gardens
(18:51):
where they are often usinggarden feeders.
Our recording was of a greaterspotted woodpecker and it is most
likely that this is thespecies that you will hear drumming
if you head out into the woodsfor a walk this week.
(19:28):
Now it's time for this week'sWildlife Matters main feature, where
we are looking at one of themost commonly seen trees in Britain,
especially now in late winter,as they have the male flight flowers
or catkins hanging from theirbranches, providing a splash of yellowy
(19:48):
green color.
To the woodlands before theleaves have.
Come out on the hazel orindeed any of our other deciduous
trees.
So welcome to our localwoodland as we set off on a journey
to discover a hugelyunderrated tree that has played some
such a vital role for ourancestors and still helps our lives
(20:12):
today in so many ways and manythat we may not even know about.
So here it is.
This week's Wildlife Mattersmain feature looks at the wonderful
hazel tree.
(20:40):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
And today we're talking abouta tree.
That is commonly found allaround the uk.
It's known as the common hazelor Corylus avalana.
The common hazel prefers nonacidic moist soil and is usually
(21:03):
found in parklands, hedgerowsand woodlands where hazel forms the
understory.
It is a native deciduous tree from.
The betulacea family, whichincludes six genera of deciduous
nut bearing trees.
An uncoppiced hazel can growup to 12, maybe even 1515 meters
(21:28):
in height.
And can live for up to 80 years.
However, one coppiced hazelcan thrive for several hundred years.
Bark of a hazel tree is smoothwith yellow pores and usually it's
light brown.
It becomes slightly darkerwith age, especially if it's been
(21:49):
left uncoppiced.
The leaves of hazel are broad,almost circular and distinctively
tipped.
The underside of the leaf hastiny soft downy hairs, while the
outer edge.
Is slip toothed and serrated.
Hazel trees are monoecious,meaning each tree has both male and
(22:14):
female reproductive parts.
However, they require pollenfrom another hazel tree tree for
successful pollination and areprimarily pollinated by the wind.
The male catkins emerge aheadof the leaf cover often in January
or February and hang inclusters towards the end of the tree's
(22:37):
branches.
A single catkin can have over200 unisexual male flowers and will
drop off the tree after it'sreleased its pollen.
The female flowers are red andtiny and found in a flower bud on
the branch above the catkin.
(22:58):
Each flower has two crimsonstigmas that stick out at the top
and it's these stigmas thatare receptive to the pollen that's
released from the male catkins.
Once pollinated, each flowerbud develops into a cluster of 1
to 3 or hazelnuts.
(23:18):
The hazelnuts can be seen fromlate summer until they're fully ripened
in the early autumn.
They may start to fall in September.
As they darken a little,developing a woody brown shell.
Hazel trees are usually multistemmed in old woodlands.
They are cut repeatedly everyeight years on a rotational basis
(23:43):
to produce poles, an ancientcraft known as coppicing.
Today, hazel coppice hasbecome an important.
Management strategy inconserving woodland habitats for
wildlife.
Of course, hazelnuts are avaluable food.
Source for many wildlifespecies and hazel trees provide valuable
(24:08):
habitat for wildlife rangingfrom insects to small mammals.
Ground nesting birds like thenightingale, yellowhammer, nightjar
and willow warbler use hazeltrees as shelter.
At the same time, these trees provide.
Food for other birds such asnuthatches and jays.
(24:30):
Hazel pollen is a great highprotein snack for bees that emerge
early in winter and are hungryfrom hibernation on.
A sunny winter's day.
Do look out for bees on the catkins.
Several moss caterpillars relyon hazel for their very survival
(24:51):
and its leaves provide foodfor several other moth species, including.
The large emerald, the smallwhite wave.
The barred umber and the nuttree tussock.
In woodlands where hazel iscopied, the.
Habitat is open and rich inwildflowers, providing an ideal environment
(25:11):
for butterflies, especiallythe fritillaries.
When coppicing hazel, theprimary method is to cut the stems
as close to the ground aspossible, ideally within 5cm of the
soil level to encouragevigorous regrowth from the stump.
This technique createsmultiple new shoots from a single
(25:34):
stool.
Coppicing is typically done inthe winter during the dormant season
to maximize the potential fornew growth.
Before cutting the stems, itis important to clear the area around
the stalk.
Start by removing the outerstems, then.
Work towards the center.
(25:56):
The coppicing process involvesregularly cutting the.
Hazel back to ground level.
This practice allows morelight to reach the woodland floor,
promoting a greater variety.
Of flora and supporting awider range of insect life.
Hazel trees are oftenassociated with dormice, also known
(26:18):
as hazel dormice.
And in spring, the hazelleaves are good for caterpillars,
which are also a good foodsource for hungry dormice that are
emerging from theirhibernation later in autumn.
Hazelnuts become a significantfood source for many small woodland
creatures, including the hazel.
(26:38):
Dormouse, but also squirrels,voles, shrews, woodpeckers, nuthatches,
various tit species, woodpigeons and.
Of course, jays, as well asmany other zones.
Small mouths.
The dense nutrition ofhazelnuts help these.
Animals to store energy andfat to.
(27:00):
Survive during the colder months.
Hazel flowers also serve as anearly pollen source for bees.
However, collecting thatpollen can be challenging for the
bees as the hazel pollen isnot sticky and each grain repels
against another.
Coppicing is a technique thathelps the hazel tree last longer,
(27:23):
but it can be threatened bygrazing deer that like to eat the
new growth.
Often known as the shoots or develop.
Hazel trunks are often coveredin mosses and liverworts and lichens,
while the fiery milk cutfungus grows beneath the soil.
Hazelnuts have been a staplefood in human diets since the Stone
(27:47):
Age.
Archaeological excavations inFlanders in Belgium discovered evidence
that people roasted hazelnutsto preserve them through the winter
during the Stone Ages.
Today, hazelnuts are grown asa food crop in many countries, including
Turkey, Italy, Spain, the USand of course here in the uk.
(28:12):
You might be familiar withhazelnut chocolate spreads such as
Nutella pralines, containinghazelnuts and chopped hazelnuts,
used to bake biscuits, cakes,pastries, desserts and sweets.
The tree's leaves have alsobeen used.
As a source of nourishment.
In the 15th century hazelleaves were used to make a dish called
(28:35):
knottai, a spicy slow cooked Stew.
And in 18th century Scotland,people ground.
Hazel leaves to make flour tomake biscuits and bread.
Whilst in Slovakia, driedcatkins were used to be ground into
flour.
According to some sources,Hazelnuts can contain 15% protein.
(28:59):
They are rich in fatty acids, vitamins.
And minerals, includingvitamins E and B, especially B6,
zinc, iron, calcium,potassium, selenium and magnesium.
Hazelnuts were once widelycultivated in the UK but have become
(29:20):
less popular in the last century.
Today, Kent is the primaryarea where hazelnuts, which are known
as cobs, are cultivated.
But most of the hazelnuts usedin vegan, dairy, free milk and chocolate
products.
Are in fact imported.
Foraging for hazelnuts ispossible as they are easily identified
(29:43):
and widely available in theBritish countryside.
However, it is important toforage responsibly and only eat what
you are sure is safe.
If you are unsure about what you.
Have found, it is always best to.
Avoid it and never eatsomething you cannot confidently
(30:03):
identify.
Hazel has been used in herbal medicines.
For centuries, hazel flowersor catkins were used as a medicinal
tea to treat colds and flu.
A hazel bark decoction is said to.
Help reduce fever whilst theleaves can help to stop diarrhea.
(30:26):
The bark has also been used totreat cuts and boils and the ash
of burnt hazel is said to helpwith burns.
Hazel leaves can stimulateblood circulation and bile secretion
and are used in liver.
Or gallbladder complaint remedies.
(30:47):
Bark leaves, flowers, catkinsand nuts are.
All considered astringent,wound healing, blood purifying, fever
fighting and sweat inducing.
However, they have been usedsparingly in herbal medicine.
In the cosmetics industry,hazelnut oil is a nourishing ingredient
(31:09):
in body and hand creams,lotions, soaps and face masks.
Hazel has been used fortraditional purposes.
Including fencing, hurdles,walking sticks, baskets to.
Make furniture and thatching spas.
These products are still usedtoday and.
(31:30):
Are a testament to the tree'sversatility and longevity.
In folklore, the hazel tree isreputed to be magical.
A hazel rod is believed to beprotect against evil spirits and
historians have also notedthat hazelnuts were once worn as
charms thought to bring goodluck and to ward off rheumatism symptoms.
(31:55):
During the medieval era, thetree was.
Believed to boost fertility,to bring luck.
And crop growth in theupcoming year and to enhance the
fertility within the community.
In Celtic folklore, the hazeltree is associated with the goddess
Brigid, believed to bringdivine inspiration.
(32:18):
The forked branches of hazelwere and.
Still are used for dowsing.
An ancient belief is that the protective.
Qualities of hazel made into astaff was the accessory of choice
for pilgrims, shepherds andother countryside wanderers.
The air surrounding hazeltrees is said to be magically charged
(32:39):
with quicksilver energy ofexhilaration and inspiration.
The hazel tree is asignificant part of our culture and
mythology.
Hazel wands were consideredmagical and used to make and grant
wishes.
Norse God Thor regarded thehazel as the tree of knowledge, while
(33:01):
in Welsh and Irish folklore itwas believed to be a fairy tree.
Hazel was also found near HolyWells and associated with Tara, the
ancient seat of Irish king.
The legendary Irish warriorsthe Fianna used hazel sticks and
shields to defend themselves.
(33:23):
The word cull, scottish forhazel, is part of many place names
including the island of ColeBarcaldin in Argyll and Colton Hill
in Edinburgh.
The hazel is the clan badge ofthe clan Cahoon.
In the Ogham tree Alphabet itrepresents the letter C.
(33:45):
The phrase in a nutshell comesfrom the belief that hazelnuts contained
bite sized wisdom.
The hazel tree is sun sounderrated today, it provides food
and shelter for wildlife andis an excellent source of protein
and vitamin rich food forhumans and wildlife.
(34:08):
Hazel wood is commonly used tomake woven baskets, fence hurdles
and walking sticks, while thethinner branches serve well as bean
poles and garden plant support.
And of course, it is also abeautiful tree and an essential part
of the understory of a nativebroadleaved woodland.
(34:33):
And that's the end of this week's.
Wildlife Matters main featurewhere we've looked at the common
but also incredibly specialhazel tree.
(34:59):
Well, we hope you enjoyed ourmain feature which was a deep dive
into the magnificent hazel tree.
And I hope you've learned thatthis unassuming tree, which you will
find all over Britain, hasplayed such a vital role in the lives
of our ancestors and featuredin their food, their medicine cupboards,
(35:22):
their DIY projects and their folklore.
I want to say hello andwelcome to our new listeners.
We hope you will like,subscribe and share the Wildlife
Matters podcast to help usreach other wildlife friends and
enthusiasts.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks when we will be looking
(35:43):
at the spring equinox andsharing some fascinating stories
and insights.
And of course, we will havethe very latest nature news and spend
time in nature with mindfulmoments to get out into nature as
much as possible this latewinter, early spring.
(36:06):
And as always, keep safe wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning off.
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