Exploring the Plot
Observing the Flora and Fauna on Stone Common Plot
Walking the Plot at any time of year gives the opportunity to see the wide variety of Trees, Plants and Fungi in their seasonal forms.
The Common Plot is crisscrossed with footpaths many of which are designated public rights of way. There is public access to the whole area subject to a few rules and common-sense regulations which are outlined on the entry noticeboards and other official signs.
The winter bark and Buds of Silver Birch, Horse Chestnut, Lime, Oak and Sycamore are worthy of note. This interest is followed in Spring by the swelling and bursting of buds, the development of the magical photosynthetic leaf canopy, the reproductive inflorescences, the fruits, nuts and seeds and concluded with the colourful farewell of the Autumn leaf canopy.
Similar seasonal variations can also be tracked in the life cycle of plants and shrubs and fungi which abound in the pasture, hedges and woodland. There is something of interest to discover at any time of the year.
There are a good number of mammals, birds and insects, resident or visiting the Plot, to observe these timing is crucial, it definitely pays to visit at the quieter times of the day such as early morning or approaching dusk.
Policy regarding tree planting in the pasture
Many trees are of a considerable age and inevitably some will succumb to disease. It is our policy to replace dead or dying trees to maintain the character of the grazing fields and to provide a measure of shade for the cattle in Summer. Tree establishment is a long term affair, when asked the best time to plant trees the stock reply is 50 years ago !
This last couple of years people have kindly sponsored two replacement trees but due to two extremely dry Springs the trees have failed to establish. This Winter we are replacing these trees with two more home grown English Oaks .