Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

EARLY last week there was a heavy frost and a morning mist, both of which I think combine to provide some lovely views of trees in winter.

I walked along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between the Barden area of Burnley and Brierfield.

Most of the water was frozen but there was one area under the shelter of a wild rose bush which was still free. The mallards and moorhens had made good use of this area and were swimming, feeding and splashing in the water. Some bird scientists think that wildfowl, including swans, deliberately splash about in water in cold weather to prevent ice from forming.

Even though the weather was dull there was plenty of colour with the rose hips reflected in the water and some of the oak trees lining the bank still had their brown autumn leaves hanging from the branches. Many leaves, buds and twigs were dripping with silvery beads of frost.

Beyond the bank, larger oak trees loomed up out of the mist. In winter the shape of the trees can be seen because each slender branch is not obscured by leaves.

I don't say trees are more beautiful in winter than they are in summer - they are just splendidly different.

Trees in winter always make me feel optimistic because a close look at the buds will reveal that they are already swelling ready for bursting into life in the spring.

The shape and colour of buds enables our common trees to be identified.

Oak buds, for example are brown, blunt and are found in groups.

Beech buds are brown but grow singly and are very long and pointed. They were once used as toothpicks.

Ash buds are black and sycamore buds are green.

A spot of winter colour can be found as gorse is in flower throughout the year and its yellow flowers brighten up a dull day.

It is possible to make a collection of buds in winter by looking under the trees, especially after a spell of windy weather. Wind is nature's way of doing a spot of pruning.

Next time you wake up to a frosty morning, why don't you wrap up warm and go out to do a spot of tree-watching?

Previous news story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.