VV_June July Web 20-compressed

remove the Wild Parsnip whose leaves can
cause phytophotodermatitis. The chemical from
the leaves react with sunlight to cause this
condition showing up as blisters and reddening
of the skin. The other task is to remove
Ragwort. If you are willing to help us please
send an email to commonwoodvolunteer@
gmail.com.
As I live on the edge of the wood, it allows
me to observe many different types of birds. I
am particularly pleased that I have seen a pair of
Marsh Tits on my feeder at the black sunflower
seeds. It took a while to positively identify it as
it is very similar to the Willow Tit but it was the
‘pitchou-pitchou’ call that sealed it. We have
also seen song thrush, bullfinch, chaffinch,
blackbird and many other songbirds although
the numbers have decreased as they spread out
into their breeding territories. Early one
morning I spent time listening and I was amazed
at the number of woodpeckers hammering out
their territorial messages. We try to manage the
wood so there is there is good understorey to
provide the wildlife and birds with cover. If you
do spot any unusual birds, please let me know.
I had a Facebook exchange with a member of
the Wheeler family, native to Penn and Tylers
Green. He moved away some time ago with his
www.pennandtylersgreen.org.uk
Village Voice June/July 2020
traction engine and Jonathan’s story will feature
in the next edition of VV. I was intrigued to hear
that he did not know the origin of the name
Zacharias Pit which was named after his
great-great-grandfather who built St Margaret’s
Church. However he was able to give me a
unique piece of information in that they called
the Chalk Track, the Two Eyed Trail on
account of 2 trees at the far end looked like eyes
when viewing from the Rushmore end. He told
me that the track was used by the timber tractors
and had 2 long ruts either side for their wheels
and at the time the wood was private they
always feared meeting the keeper.
We are so lucky to have this woodland
facility on our doorstep. One source of funding
has dried up and we have some remedial works
needed. I will have set up a ‘Go Fund Me ‘ page
to raise some money to repair a path and replace
some posts. The initial target is £700 but the
more we get the more work we can do. If you
would like to help look out for the page or you
can email the P&TG Residents Society at
info@pennandtylersgreen.org.uk to get bank
details addresses etc. Your help is appreciated.
Enjoy the wood! Mike Morley
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