Oxford ragwort. A non native wild flower that escaped from a botanic garden in Oxford many years ago & now grows widely in the UK. Not to be confused with the common ragwort which flowers later.
Caterpillar of the ermine moth in its protective ‘cobweb’ in the hedgerow.
The protective “cobweb” often covers an extensive area of the hedgerow.
This is a chestnut coppice. The trees are felled on a 15 to 20 year cycle. Known as the “poor man’s oak”, the timber is extremely durable & is mainly used for fencing. The tree is native to S. Europe & was introduced to Britain by the Romans. Chestnut coppice was planted extensively in Kent to provide “hop poles” to support the vines in the many hop gardens. The coppiced plantations are a valuable habitat for many declining bird species including nightingales, nightjars & Willow warblers.
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