Phil's UEA Ecology Blog

A flowering gorse bush. Image by David Hamilton. Latin name:  Ulex europaeus Synonymous with wild landscapes, the common gorse bush is an alluring sight throughout the spring and summer months with its attractive yellow flowers standing out brilliantly against the rough and rugged scenery.  A large and evergreen shrub, gorse can be found pretty much everywhere from rolling moor and heathland to urban back gardens. Equipped with needle like leaves, gorse can be the cause of much discomfort for any unfortunate passer-by who strays too close. Gorse has a relatively short lifespan, living approximately 25 years. Nevertheless, with management techniques this can be greatly extended. This is potentially beneficial for a range of bird who rely on gorse for shelter and nesting purposes. Examples include the stonechat, linnet and yellowhammer who utilise the dense structure of the gorse bush as a life-saving refuge during harsh winters. Gorse is also home to many inverte...

As part of our Ecology course here at UEA, we headed over to Foxley Wood in a bid to expand our knowledge on the subject of ancient woodland and its management, in addition to the various flora and fauna often found on the site. Spanning a total of 123 hectares, Foxley Wood is located in the North of Norfolk and is owned and managed by The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, who purchased it in 1998. It is the largest remaining ancient woodland in all of Norfolk and is of vital importance due to its reputation as a refuge for a sizeable level of biodiversity. The wood is home to a plethora of different plant species, with over 350 flowering plant species recorded on site including wild garlic, orchids and bluebells, whilst the rare wild service-tree is also present here. Bluebells found on site at Foxley Wood. Image courtesy of Rita Leggett. In order to maintain the levels of biodiversity currently found at Foxley, it has to various management procedures. One such procedure is the p...

Image of a common kingfisher courtesy of Stanislav Harvancik Latin name:  Alcedo atthis A much loved member of Britain's birds, the common kingfisher can often be spotted darting just above the surface of many of our nation's waterways. Possessing a wonderfully bright blue and orange plumage, the kingfisher is a must-see when venturing around lakes, rivers and canals, even if a glimpse is all you will get of the speedy predator. Kingfishers are small birds, measuring only 16-17cm in length and 25cm in wingspan, whilst weighing in at approximately 34-46 grams. Superb predators, kingfishers use speed, efficiency and their wonderful and calculative vision to pluck small fish from just beneath the water's surface. Fish below the length of 5 inches are usually fit for consumption with kingfishers tending to have a preference for sticklebacks, minnows, small roach and trout. Insects are also snapped up with dragonfly larvae and water beetles a common source of p...

A Eurasian jay, image courtesy of Steve Round. Latin Name: Garrulus glandarius  The Eurasian jay is by far the most striking and colourful of the crow family found in the British Isles. They possess an exterior consisting of a pinkish-brown hue, whilst the wings are primarily black and white with a charismatic flash of light blue. Jays typically have a body length of around 35cm and a wingspan of approximately 52-58cm wide, whilst the average bird weighs in at around about 160g.  Jays, like most corvids (crow family), often demonstrate signs of exceptional intelligence which is particularly evident in their ability to showcase excellent mimicry skills and the range of emotions which they can express. The jay can show emotions such as anger, playfulness and even affection, whilst the ability of foresight and planning has also been recorded, with individuals storing nuts and acorns in preparation for the winter months. Mimicry and vocalisation is especially pr...