This week's Wildlife Matters podcast focuses on Signals of Spring: A Tale of the Hazel Tree and Woodpeckers Drumming.

While the hazel tree, scientifically known as Corylus avellana, proliferates throughout the UK, its considerable ecological and historical contributions remain underappreciated.

In Wildlife Matters Nature News, we delve into the concerning news emerging from the River Wandle. A catastrophic oil spill has devastatingly harmed local wildlife and ecosystems, particularly during this critical nesting and spawning period.

This week's Mindful Moments will also include time in nature to provide solace amidst these troubling developments. The theme is woodpeckers' resonant sounds as they establish their territories in the early spring.

The latest episode of the Wildlife Matters podcast delves into the often-overlooked hazel tree, a species that has been integral to human existence for centuries yet remains underappreciated in contemporary society. With its male flowers or catkins making a striking appearance in late winter, the hazel tree offers aesthetic value and a vital ecological role. This episode not only explores the biological intricacies of the hazel tree — including its unique reproductive strategies and the diverse wildlife it supports — but also highlights its historical significance in human culture, from providing sustenance to serving as a medium for folklore and traditional crafts.

Additionally, the episode does not shy away from discussing the urgent nature news regarding environmental crises, such as the recent oil spill affecting the River Wandle, emphasizing the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. The interplay between the beauty of the hazel tree and the stark realities of wildlife conservation is a poignant theme throughout, reminding listeners of the delicate balance within our natural world.

Takeaways:

• The oil spill at the River Wandle has severely affected local wildlife and ecosystems.
• The hazel tree is a vital part of British woodlands and has a rich history.
• Woodpeckers use drumming as a means of claiming territory and attracting mates.
• Hazel trees provide food and habitat for various species, including insects and birds.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Environment Agency
• Merton Council
• Thames Water
• London Fire Brigade
• Transport for London
• DEFRA
• Southeast Rivers Trust
• National Trust
• Wildlife Matters

Hello and welcome to this one week's Wildlife Matters podcast.

And in this week's Wildlife Matters, we examine one of the most commonly seen trees in the uk.

Humans have used this tree for centuries, but it remains underappreciated today.

Of course, that is the hazel tree.

This week's mindful moments is a sound you will recognize if you have recently walked in your local woodlands.

Tis one of the incredible ways that wildlife claims territory and attracts a mate.

And much of the wildlife world is currently focused on this.

But first, let's take some time to catch up on this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News, which begins at the River Wandle, a chalk stream.

Wildlife Matters has spent many years working with local people and groups to improve the River Wandl, which has suffered the devastation of an oil spillage.

So, with so much to cover, let's get straight on over and join me.

At the news desk for this week's.

Wildlife Matters Nature News.

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News.

And we start off with two stories, actually, that are very close to our hearts here at Wildlife Matters.

Public concerns about an impending environmental disaster have risen after approximately 4,000 litres of diesel was leaked from a storage tank at a bus depot in Croydon on Tuesday last week, contaminating the river and local wildlife.

The diesel is believed to have entered the River Wandle in Thornton Heath, which will have a negative impact on wildlife and water quality from Wallington through to Wandsworth.

Reports indicate that birds have been coated in oil, making it difficult to clean themselves and to survive in the polluted water.

Emergency response teams from the Environment Agency.

Are working to contain the spill.

Still, concerns remain regarding the extent of the damage and local MP Bobby Dean that the community has made tremendous efforts to restore the River Wandle, making this pollution insufficient incident particularly heartbreaking.

And a local resident who attempted to assist the wildlife told Wildlife Matters that the wildlife here is already in distress.

I can't imagine the repercussions for the fragile ecosystem along the river.

This should never have happened and those responsible must face severe consequences.

A spokesman for Merton Council stated that the spill had left the animals covered in oil at the Watermead Nature Reserve in Mitcham.

They added that the Environment Agency leads a multi agency response, working alongside council officials, Thames Water and the London Fire Brigade.

Additionally, they cautioned locals to avoid touching.

The water or allowing their pets to enter it.

Labour Councillor Stuart Nevison took to social.

Media to commend the fire crews and.

Officers for stopping the flow and removing pollutants from the river.

Tom Haisler, Project manager and environmental Officer, noted the diffuse pollution from industrial estates poses a serious and ongoing issue in the area.

At that time the Guardian highlighted the.

Residents efforts to rescue chub roach, dace and barbel by transferring them into buckets of clean water.

But tragically they were too late.

Although one man managed to save several large eels, they ultimately succumbed to bleeding through their gills.

Local Labour MP Siobhan McDonagh has called for accountability following this significant environmental crises.

Involving the 4,000 litres of diesel spilling into the River Wandle.

The MP for Mitcham and Morden, stated on social media that she contacted the Environment Agency to understand the circumstances of the leak.

While the Environment Agency is present on site, the long term effects of the environmental disaster remain uncertain.

McDonough expressed her deep concern about the potential impact on wildlife, particularly in and.

Around the Water Mead Nature Reserve, and.

She noted that a coordinated response team has been established to manage the spill and expedite cleanup efforts.

In a statement To Wildlife Matters, McDonough mentioned that various absorbent materials had been deployed in the river to soak up.

The diesel and she vowed that once.

Containment is achieved, she will ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

She also said that we need to identify the responsible parties for this spill and hold them accountable, but our priority right now must be limiting the environmental damage.

After the containment efforts are complete, the Environment Agency will send their ecologists to assess the spill's impact on the local wildlife, followed by a review to identify the responsible parties.

The incident is not the first case.

Of pollution affecting the River Wandle.

Industrial waste has frequently been released.

Our second story on this week's at Wildlife Matters Nature News is when Wildlife Matters went to the River Wandle, which is a site we work on and this is our own report from that visit.

According to officials, thousands of Litres of diesel have been spilt into the River Wandle, a rare chalk stream in South London.

The Environment Agency believes diesel entered the river through surface water drains, impacting on wildlife and ecosystems.

The river is home to wildlife such as brown trout and kingfishers.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency told Wildlife Matters that officers were immediately dispatched.

To the River Wandle upon receiving reports of an oil spill so they could.

Minimize damage to the local environment and wildlife.

They said that they have been working with the London Fire Brigade and we have implemented measures to stop the leak.

The spill, believed to have originated from a storage tank at a nearby bus depot, is expected to impact the Wandle from Beddington through to Wandsworth over the coming days.

We are currently gathering evidence and assessing the environmental impact for our investigators.

The pollution source is suspected to be the bus depot at Thornton Heath, Croydon.

A Transport for London representative told us.

That a full investigation is underway regarding.

The leak last Tuesday.

Protecting the environment is fundamental to everything we do, and we're working closely with the Environment Agency, the London Fire Brigade and Merton Council to limit the environmental impact.

Any pollution in London's waterways is entirely unacceptable and we will play our part in addressing river pollution from both the roads we manage and our vehicle fleet, the spokesman said.

The River Wandle flows nine miles from.

Its source at the Thames.

It became heavily industrialized from the 17th through to the 19th century centuries, resulting in severe pollution.

According to the Southeast Rivers Trust, the waterway was considered ecologically dead for many years.

However, in recent years, significant efforts have been made to clean up the river, which is now a popular walking trail.

And the river is home to species such as brown trout, the key species for chalk streams that were reintroduced.

But the Wandl and surrounding habitats also includes kingfishers, damselflies, bats and other wildlife species, including plenty a variety of waterfowl.

Chalk streams are a globally rare habitat, primarily found in England.

They face various threats, including climate change, excessive water obstruction and pollution from farming, urban runoff and sewage.

The National Trust, which manages nearby Mordenhall park and the Watermead Nature Reserve, said they had awareness of a significant diesel.

Spill that had entered the Wandle upstream from the park.

A spokesman for the National Trust told Wildlife Matters, we are closely monitoring the wetlands within the park and at the Watermead Nature Reserve for any visible impacts on the wildlife and the rare habitats.

Our waterways and wetlands are precious environments and any pollution incident can significantly affect our wildlife.

Our teams are collaborating closely with the.

Environment Agency to ensure the site can recover as quickly as possible.

And the third story on this week's Wildlife Matters Nature News is that the UK government has announced that avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has now been confirmed in grey seals along the North Norfolk coastline.

This update comes from defra, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural affairs, which closely monitors the country's bird flu situation.

In addition to the seals, several wild birds in the same region have also tested positive for the disease, raising concerns about the potential for interspecies transmission.

DEFRA has confirmed that mammals such as.

Seals interacting closely with infected wild birds or are in contaminated environments can contract avian influenza.

In a statement to Wildlife Matters that feels a deliberate distraction, DEFRA said that the number of great seals affected has not exceeded the typical annual mortality rates for that particular site.

When asked what the annual rates had been in the past, they declined to comment.

It concludes that it is important to note that at this time no evidence indicates an increased risk to other non avian wildlife species and the situation remains under a continuous review as authorities remain vigilant.

In a related development, the government reported on February 19 that three new cases of avian influenza had been identified in poultry on commercial farms in East Yorkshire.

As a precaution, culling has been mandated for the affected farms near Market Weighton.

To mitigate the spread of the disease, the government has implemented mandatory housing orders for poultry in extensive areas of England and Northern Ireland.

DEFRA said that these protocols are crucial in safeguarding both wildlife and livestock from potential outbreaks of avian influenza.

Food for thought and that is the end of this week's Wildlife Matters Nature.

The news this week from the River Wandle is difficult.

Wildlife Matters has worked on the River Wandle initially as a volunteer and more.

Recently with Water Quality Survey volunteers.

So this story hits us hard.

To see the waterfowl, like mallards and coops coated in diesel fuel, is genuinely heartbreaking.

And the timing.

Just as the birds are nesting and the fish are spawning, this oil spill will have a devastating impact on the wildlife that call the river home, as well as destroying biodiversity within the many and varied habitats that are the River Wandle.

I feel that we need this week's.

Mindful moments so much and it is one of the incredible ways that wildlife.

Claims a territory to raise its young in the early spring.

So if you can sit back and relax and join us as we spend.

Some Soothing, relaxing time in nature.

In this week's Wildlife Matters mindful moments.

Sound OF WOODPECKERS DRUMMING is resonating around.

Our woodlands right now.

It serves as a warning to the other male woodpeckers that he is in his his territory.

It also attracts female woodpeckers who will be impressed by the loud and rhythmic drumming, which indicates that he not only has a territory and a suitable place for her to nest.

There are three woodpecker species in Britain.

The green woodpecker, often known as the yaffle due to its call, is a ground feeder and that does nest in.

The hollows in trees.

But it doesn't drum or claim territories in quite the same way as the lesser spotted woodpecker.

Now, the lesser spotted woodpeckers are tiny sparrow sized woodpeckers that are sadly in.

Decline here in the UK and are.

Now classified as endangered.

Now, they do drum and claim their.

Territory, but their sound is faster and has less resonance than their larger cousins, the greater spotted woodpecker.

Over the last two to three decades, the greater spotted woodpecker has grown in numbers and spread across the broader range within the uk.

They're now found not only in woodlands, but in parks and gardens where they are often using garden feeders.

Our recording was of a greater spotted woodpecker and it is most likely that this is the species that you will hear drumming if you head out into the woods for a walk this week.

Now it's time for this week's Wildlife Matters main feature, where we are looking at one of the most commonly seen trees in Britain, especially now in late winter, as they have the male flight flowers or catkins hanging from their branches, providing a splash of yellowy green color.

To the woodlands before the leaves have.

Come out on the hazel or indeed any of our other deciduous trees.

So welcome to our local woodland as we set off on a journey to discover a hugely underrated tree that has played some such a vital role for our ancestors and still helps our lives today in so many ways and many that we may not even know about.

So here it is.

This week's Wildlife Matters main feature looks at the wonderful hazel tree.

Hello and welcome to this week's Wildlife Matters main feature.

And today we're talking about a tree.

That is commonly found all around the uk.

It's known as the common hazel or Corylus avalana.

The common hazel prefers non acidic moist soil and is usually found in parklands, hedgerows and woodlands where hazel forms the understory.

It is a native deciduous tree from.

The betulacea family, which includes six genera of deciduous nut bearing trees.

And can live for up to 80 years.

However, one coppiced hazel can thrive for several hundred years.

Bark of a hazel tree is smooth with yellow pores and usually it's light brown.

It becomes slightly darker with age, especially if it's been left uncoppiced.

The leaves of hazel are broad, almost circular and distinctively tipped.

The underside of the leaf has tiny soft downy hairs, while the outer edge.

Is slip toothed and serrated.

Hazel trees are monoecious, meaning each tree has both male and female reproductive parts.

However, they require pollen from another hazel tree tree for successful pollination and are primarily pollinated by the wind.

The male catkins emerge ahead of the leaf cover often in January or February and hang in clusters towards the end of the tree's branches.

A single catkin can have over 200 unisexual male flowers and will drop off the tree after it's released its pollen.

The female flowers are red and tiny and found in a flower bud on the branch above the catkin.

Each flower has two crimson stigmas that stick out at the top and it's these stigmas that are receptive to the pollen that's released from the male catkins.

Once pollinated, each flower bud develops into a cluster of 1 to 3 or hazelnuts.

The hazelnuts can be seen from late summer until they're fully ripened in the early autumn.

They may start to fall in September.

As they darken a little, developing a woody brown shell.

Hazel trees are usually multi stemmed in old woodlands.

They are cut repeatedly every eight years on a rotational basis to produce poles, an ancient craft known as coppicing.

Today, hazel coppice has become an important.

Management strategy in conserving woodland habitats for wildlife.

Of course, hazelnuts are a valuable food.

Source for many wildlife species and hazel trees provide valuable habitat for wildlife ranging from insects to small mammals.

Ground nesting birds like the nightingale, yellowhammer, nightjar and willow warbler use hazel trees as shelter.

At the same time, these trees provide.

Food for other birds such as nuthatches and jays.

Hazel pollen is a great high protein snack for bees that emerge early in winter and are hungry from hibernation on.

A sunny winter's day.

Do look out for bees on the catkins.

Several moss caterpillars rely on hazel for their very survival and its leaves provide food for several other moth species, including.

The large emerald, the small white wave.

The barred umber and the nut tree tussock.

In woodlands where hazel is copied, the.

Habitat is open and rich in wildflowers, providing an ideal environment for butterflies, especially the fritillaries.

When coppicing hazel, the primary method is to cut the stems as close to the ground as possible, ideally within 5cm of the soil level to encourage vigorous regrowth from the stump.

This technique creates multiple new shoots from a single stool.

Coppicing is typically done in the winter during the dormant season to maximize the potential for new growth.

Before cutting the stems, it is important to clear the area around the stalk.

Start by removing the outer stems, then.

Work towards the center.

The coppicing process involves regularly cutting the.

Hazel back to ground level.

This practice allows more light to reach the woodland floor, promoting a greater variety.

Of flora and supporting a wider range of insect life.

Hazel trees are often associated with dormice, also known as hazel dormice.

And in spring, the hazel leaves are good for caterpillars, which are also a good food source for hungry dormice that are emerging from their hibernation later in autumn.

Hazelnuts become a significant food source for many small woodland creatures, including the hazel.

Dormouse, but also squirrels, voles, shrews, woodpeckers, nuthatches, various tit species, wood pigeons and.

Of course, jays, as well as many other zones.

Small mouths.

The dense nutrition of hazelnuts help these.

Animals to store energy and fat to.

Survive during the colder months.

Hazel flowers also serve as an early pollen source for bees.

However, collecting that pollen can be challenging for the bees as the hazel pollen is not sticky and each grain repels against another.

Coppicing is a technique that helps the hazel tree last longer, but it can be threatened by grazing deer that like to eat the new growth.

Often known as the shoots or develop.

Hazel trunks are often covered in mosses and liverworts and lichens, while the fiery milk cut fungus grows beneath the soil.

Hazelnuts have been a staple food in human diets since the Stone Age.

Archaeological excavations in Flanders in Belgium discovered evidence that people roasted hazelnuts to preserve them through the winter during the Stone Ages.

Today, hazelnuts are grown as a food crop in many countries, including Turkey, Italy, Spain, the US and of course here in the uk.

You might be familiar with hazelnut chocolate spreads such as Nutella pralines, containing hazelnuts and chopped hazelnuts, used to bake biscuits, cakes, pastries, desserts and sweets.

The tree's leaves have also been used.

As a source of nourishment.

In the 15th century hazel leaves were used to make a dish called knottai, a spicy slow cooked Stew.

And in 18th century Scotland, people ground.

Hazel leaves to make flour to make biscuits and bread.

Whilst in Slovakia, dried catkins were used to be ground into flour.

According to some sources, Hazelnuts can contain 15% protein.

They are rich in fatty acids, vitamins.

And minerals, including vitamins E and B, especially B6, zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, selenium and magnesium.

Hazelnuts were once widely cultivated in the UK but have become less popular in the last century.

Today, Kent is the primary area where hazelnuts, which are known as cobs, are cultivated.

But most of the hazelnuts used in vegan, dairy, free milk and chocolate products.

Are in fact imported.

Foraging for hazelnuts is possible as they are easily identified and widely available in the British countryside.

However, it is important to forage responsibly and only eat what you are sure is safe.

If you are unsure about what you.

Have found, it is always best to.

Avoid it and never eat something you cannot confidently identify.

Hazel has been used in herbal medicines.

For centuries, hazel flowers or catkins were used as a medicinal tea to treat colds and flu.

A hazel bark decoction is said to.

Help reduce fever whilst the leaves can help to stop diarrhea.

The bark has also been used to treat cuts and boils and the ash of burnt hazel is said to help with burns.

Hazel leaves can stimulate blood circulation and bile secretion and are used in liver.

Or gallbladder complaint remedies.

Bark leaves, flowers, catkins and nuts are.

All considered astringent, wound healing, blood purifying, fever fighting and sweat inducing.

However, they have been used sparingly in herbal medicine.

In the cosmetics industry, hazelnut oil is a nourishing ingredient in body and hand creams, lotions, soaps and face masks.

Hazel has been used for traditional purposes.

Including fencing, hurdles, walking sticks, baskets to.

Make furniture and thatching spas.

These products are still used today and.

Are a testament to the tree's versatility and longevity.

In folklore, the hazel tree is reputed to be magical.

A hazel rod is believed to be protect against evil spirits and historians have also noted that hazelnuts were once worn as charms thought to bring good luck and to ward off rheumatism symptoms.

During the medieval era, the tree was.

Believed to boost fertility, to bring luck.

And crop growth in the upcoming year and to enhance the fertility within the community.

In Celtic folklore, the hazel tree is associated with the goddess Brigid, believed to bring divine inspiration.

The forked branches of hazel were and.

Still are used for dowsing.

An ancient belief is that the protective.

Qualities of hazel made into a staff was the accessory of choice for pilgrims, shepherds and other countryside wanderers.

The air surrounding hazel trees is said to be magically charged with quicksilver energy of exhilaration and inspiration.

The hazel tree is a significant part of our culture and mythology.

Hazel wands were considered magical and used to make and grant wishes.

Norse God Thor regarded the hazel as the tree of knowledge, while in Welsh and Irish folklore it was believed to be a fairy tree.

Hazel was also found near Holy Wells and associated with Tara, the ancient seat of Irish king.

The legendary Irish warriors the Fianna used hazel sticks and shields to defend themselves.

The word cull, scottish for hazel, is part of many place names including the island of Cole Barcaldin in Argyll and Colton Hill in Edinburgh.

The hazel is the clan badge of the clan Cahoon.

In the Ogham tree Alphabet it represents the letter C.

The phrase in a nutshell comes from the belief that hazelnuts contained bite sized wisdom.

The hazel tree is sun so underrated today, it provides food and shelter for wildlife and is an excellent source of protein and vitamin rich food for humans and wildlife.

Hazel wood is commonly used to make woven baskets, fence hurdles and walking sticks, while the thinner branches serve well as bean poles and garden plant support.

And of course, it is also a beautiful tree and an essential part of the understory of a native broadleaved woodland.

And that's the end of this week's.

Wildlife Matters main feature where we've looked at the common but also incredibly special hazel tree.

Well, we hope you enjoyed our main feature which was a deep dive into the magnificent hazel tree.

And I hope you've learned that this unassuming tree, which you will find all over Britain, has played such a vital role in the lives of our ancestors and featured in their food, their medicine cupboards, their DIY projects and their folklore.

I want to say hello and welcome to our new listeners.

We hope you will like, subscribe and share the Wildlife Matters podcast to help us reach other wildlife friends and enthusiasts.

Wildlife Matters will return in two weeks when we will be looking at the spring equinox and sharing some fascinating stories and insights.

And of course, we will have the very latest nature news and spend time in nature with mindful moments to get out into nature as much as possible this late winter, early spring.

And as always, keep safe wild ones.

This is Wildlife Matters signing off.