Izzy's UEA Ecology blog

Beech   Fagus sylvatica Moving to a new place for university has been an exciting experience, but of course there will always be things I miss from home. One of those things is my local woodland, a mosaic of ancient semi-natural woodland and plantation, in which grow many tree species. On the northern side of the woodland is an area my family call 'cathedral wood' - here, beech is the dominant species, their trunks creating towering columns holding up the high canopy. Naturally, this was the first place I went once I was home for Christmas, as beech trees are not only beautiful, but fascinating, and are important resources for other wildlife.  A predominantly beech woodland  Native to much of mainland Europe and southern England and Wales, beech is now widespread Great Britain. The leaves are oval shaped, with a pointed tip and undulating edges. They emerge in spring a pale green with hairs on their margins and lower surface. As they mature, the leaves become a darke...

The UK's largest water bird, the mute swan ( Cygus olor ) is a common sight on waterways and in parks across the country. Their long, s-shaped neck allows them to reach submerged food, including aquatic plants, insects and molluscs. The large wingspan of the mute swan (between 208 and 238cm) allows them to get airborne despite weighing 10-12kg. Other identifying features include an orange bill with a black base and knob. Both sexes have this black basal knob, but the male's swells in the breeding season, perhaps as an indicator of sexual maturity or good health. Outside of the breeding season, the sexes are difficult to distinguish, although males are often slightly larger.  A pair of mute swans showing off their bright orange bills. The brownish colour of their heads may be due to staining from slightly acidic waters. Mute swans are often seen as a romantic symbol because of the way their long necks form a heart shape during their mating rituals, and fittingly, they often mate...