Summer

The summer holidays are a perfect time for a quiet stroll in a wood, or if you prefer, join in with one of the many organised events and activities (link to Greensites ‘Get Involved’ page). Look out for programmes of events such as Forest Fever or visit the annual South Yorkshire Woodfair.

Trees will be in full leaf during the summer months. Many of the spring wildflowers will still be flowering, with travellers joy, foxglove, wood sorrel, white campion and many more adding to the display. Fruits are beginning to ripen on several tree and shrub species, although the main bulk of seeds and fruits will not be ripe until well into August or early September. Soft fruits such as bramble, elder, honeysuckle and yew are abundant towards the end of August.

The variety of wildlife around in undergrowth and shady glades make woodlands a delightful place to walk, cycle, picnic, or simply sit and enjoy. There are still many species of butterfly on the wing. Woodland edges, away from areas of arable farming are good spots to hear grasshopper’s chirp.

In summer you may see stoats, weasels or foxes searching for food for their young. Badger or bat watching on a summer’s evening are also delightful pastimes so why not join one of the local wildlife groups and get involved. Most birds will have finished nesting by August, although the song thrush, blackbird and some finches may still have young in the nest.

Summer is the time when the forester must release newly planted trees from weed competition, one of the main causes of planting failure or slow early growth. This can be done either mechanically or with herbicides. Once the young trees have grown above the weeds, usually between three and five years after planting, the weed control can be stopped.