Walking around Freeman’s Marsh and Hungerford Common, the importance of the rough scrublands and uncut hedges has been highlighted by the lack of berries in the New Year. 

Back in early November the holly, hawthorn, ivy and spindle bushes were overflowing with their bright and beautiful berries. In fact, the hawthorn crop was possibly the largest recorded since records began about 20 years ago; 2014 was a good crop, but 2023 looked bigger.

Walking these places again now it is striking how few berries are left. There are more ivy berries and rosehips than anything else, a bit of a calorie ladened last resort for hungry pigeons and blackbirds, but the holly, spindle and hawthorn bushes are pretty much bare.

Stripped by flocks of fieldfares, thrushes and redwings, our berry crops are so important for overwintering birds. The UK has also seen a large influx of waxwings this year, due in part to a poor berry crop in Norway.

Part of the Town and Manor’s wildlife management scheme is to leave scrub and hedges un-flailed, so providing winter food and shelter.