Winter's Quiet Wonders: Life Thrives at Emlyn's Coppice Woodland Glamping

The crisp air and muted colours of autumn transitioning into winter might suggest a sleepy time for nature, but spend an hour in the winter woodland of Emlyn's Coppice in North Wales, and you'll quickly discover a vibrant, often overlooked world of life. Far from dormant, the woodlands are alive with a unique beauty, where every tree, fallen branch, and patch of moss tells a story of resilience and survival.

My recent wander through the coppice brought this home vividly. On a single, stately Hawthorn tree, I stumbled upon a miniature ecosystem thriving right before my eyes:

A Trio on the Hawthorn

1. A Sprig of Mistletoe (Viscum album): Nestled amongst the Hawthorn's branches was a fresh, green sprig of Mistletoe. This hemiparasitic plant, drawing sustenance from its host, is a true winter icon.

   

2. Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri): Growing on a twig of the same tree, the delicate, branched thallus of Oakmoss, a type of lichen, added another layer of life.

   

3. Mycena Clavularis: Tucked in the crotch of the branches, a small cluster of these elegant bonnet mushrooms stood as a testament to the unseen fungal networks at work.

   

One tree, three distinct forms of life, each playing its part in the intricate dance of the woodland. But this Hawthorn's bustling community is just a glimpse of the myriad wonders waiting to be discovered throughout Emlyn's Coppice during the colder months.

Hidden Gems on Tree Trunks and Branches of the Winter Woodland

When the deciduous leaves fall, the bark of trees becomes a canvas for an incredible array of lichens and mosses. The humid Welsh climate is a paradise for these fascinating organisms. Look closely, and you might spot the vibrant, almost neon yellow-orange crust of Yellow Wall Lichen, or the delicate, beard-like strands of Usnea species hanging from branches, swaying gently in the breeze. Cushions of various mosses carpet trunks, creating soft, emerald-green textures against the rough bark.

The colder months are also prime time for many fungi. Keep an eye out for:

• Bracket Fungi: These shelf-like decomposers, like the pale Birch Polypore or the strikingly layered and colourful Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor), are often found on deadwood, silently breaking down tough cellulose.

  

• Crust Fungi: While less showy, these often brightly coloured, paint-like patches can be found on the underside of fallen branches, adding splashes of unexpected colour to the woodland floor.

Life Beneath Our Feet: The Ground Flora

While many plants have retreated underground, the woodland floor of Emlyn's Coppice still offers plenty to see.

• Waxcap Fungi: If you're lucky enough to find areas of undisturbed, unimproved grass or mossy clearings, you might encounter the jewels of the fungal world: Waxcap mushrooms (Hygrocybe species). Their vibrant reds, yellows, and even greens bring an astonishing splash of colour to the muted winter palette.

• Late-Fruiting Fungi: Keep an eye out for the charming Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria amethystina), a small, vibrant purple mushroom poking through the leaf litter, or more clusters of Bonnet Mushrooms like our Mycena Clavularis on decaying wood.

And not all plants go dormant. Hardy evergreens provide vital colour and sustenance:

• Ivy (Hedera helix): This ubiquitous climber is often overlooked, but in winter, its glossy leaves provide a dark green backdrop. Its late-autumn flowers are a crucial nectar source for insects, and its black berries, ripening in winter, offer a lifeline for birds.

• Holly (Ilex aquifolium): The quintessential winter evergreen, with its sharp, glossy leaves and bright red berries, standing out boldly against the grey and brown of the deciduous trees.

  

• Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis): A classic indicator of ancient woodland, this plant forms extensive carpets of dark green leaves on the woodland floor, a constant presence even when other plants have withered.

Mistletoe: A Touch of Ancient Magic

That sprig of Mistletoe on the Hawthorn is more than just a plant; it carries centuries of folklore and tradition. Historically, this evergreen marvel, producing berries in the depths of winter, was seen as a powerful symbol of life, fertility, and peace. The ancient Druids revered it, particularly when found on Oaks, believing it held potent healing and protective properties. While modern herbalism advises extreme caution due to its toxicity, its enduring presence in our winter celebrations, from protection charms to the famous kissing custom, speaks to its deep cultural roots. It’s a plant that connects our local coppice to millennia of human history and wonder.

So, next time you're wrapped up warm and looking for an adventure, take a walk through Emlyn's Coppice. Slow down, look closer, and you'll find that winter truly reveals the quiet wonders and resilient beauty of our natural world, offering a profound sense of connection to the life that thrives all around us, even in the coldest months.