Apr. 2, 2008 - Outdoor Hour Challenge #7 - Your Own Field Guide
So, here we are still in Wales and still studying the trees found around Gwydyr Forest. On Sunday, we went along part of one of the Forest Trails (Lady Mary's Walk). Here is Littlesmurf on his way to the start of the trail -
He finally got to the start of the trail (notice how the sign is bilingual English/Welsh!).
So what did we see today? Well, the first tree we noticed was this one -
Apparently this is a Japanese Thuja - a strange tree to find growing in North Wales!
From here, we walked on to an old Chapel (called "Gwydyr Uchaf") and searched around for various other trees, cones for Littlesmurf's collection, etc. The most striking tree that Littlesmurf was interested in studying further was a very large yew tree. He was particularly interested in its bark - he gave it a good punch and found that it felt quite "springy" to touch. He also liked the colours in this photograph -
He was even more intrigued when we read about the yew tree when we got back to my Dad's house - apparently the leaves of the yew are poisonous! Yew trees used to be planted in old graveyards and it is thought that they acted as a deterrent to farmers grazing their animals there.
We also found some cones for Littlesmurf's collection - they came from a Japanese larch tree and reminded him of tiny rosebuds. The Japanese larch is planted in the forest because it grows more quickly than the native Larch.
Our final photograph was another of the Gwydyr Forest from the Chapel.
We are definitely going to come back for another visit when the weather is even better. Perhaps we'll have a picnic at one of the tables set up near the Chapel?
When we got back to our own home, we made some Field Guide cards for identifying trees - pictures of the whole tree, its foliage, flowers,seeds and bark; details of where it is found, what it is used for, etc. So far, we have made three cards - for the Ash, the Douglas-fir and the Yew.
I must apologise for the "fuzziness" of the smaller photos - my camera's battery is running low and I don't have the steadiest of hands when working close up!!
Comments
Apr. 2, 2008 - Tree field guide
Posted by HarmonyArtMom
Excellent cards and research. I love the photos of Wales. My daughter spent several months in Ireland last year and I was fascinated with her photos from there too. I would someday like visit that part of the world......my daughter has offered to be my London tour guide. :)
I really appreciate your link this week. Looking forward to the next challenge.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
Apr. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by melissal89
Excellent walk! You all collected so much great information on trees, very interesting. Your photos are great, it looks so beautiful there, love the deep greens. And great job on the identification cards!
Blessings, Melissa
In the Sparrow's Nest
Apr. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jen at http://homeschoolingjourney.wordpress.com/
looks like a nice place
Apr. 3, 2008 - Hiya Chrissy!
Posted by deedeeuk
Your nature study looks FAB! I'm soooo behind in this right now it isn't even funny!! Praying for your uncle too. Glad you had a nice trip 'home'.
Apr. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Andrea
What a beautiful place for a nature walk! I love your photos. Your field guides are great! What a great idea to have the photos of the whole tree, the leaf and the seed. I will have to remember that when we get to plants.
http://web.mac.com/sligting6/harvestacademy/Blog/Blog.html
Apr. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
What a wonderful walk - such a great variety of trees! Yew trees have also recently been used to extract a cancer-fighting drug (it is now synthetically made in a lab). :)
Makita
4twinklingstars.blogspot.com
Apr. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dana @ School For Us
I love the field guide cards. And, how fascinating about the cemetaries and that poisonous tree! Isn't it fun to research and learn something "neat"?
Dana, www.alexml.blogspot.com
Apr. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Your field guides are coming along nicely. It is making me what to do this... :o)
~Tina
Jetihoja Academy
http://jetihoja.blogspot.com/
