Early Bumblebee Bombus pratorum nectaring on Phacelia tanacetifolia
Meadow Buttercups – Hatfield Forest, Essex
Male Ghost Moth – Hepialus humuli
Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi – Wicken Fen
Almost wordless! The Wildlife Trusts #30 Days Wild challenge each June encourages folk to make room for nature in our lives and do something wild each day, we did not climb mountains but this first week we ate a picnic lunch in a field of Buttercups at Hatfield Forest, spent a balmy evening at Wicken Fen, amongst wildflowers and Dragonflies, lolled about watching early Bumblebees in our own garden and took dog walks in fields with Ghost Moths for company. Its about taking time to reconnect in the natural world. Twas lovely! And anyone can join in at anytime.
Wild Cherry blossom (Prunus avium) and Wood Ants (Formica rufa) Maulden Woods, Bedfordshire
Wood Ants produce formic acid, which can be sprayed at prey, predators and humans too, long trousers, cycle clips and a hat are needed to get up close. Birds can encourage Wood Ants to spray the acid on their feathers to help control parasites.
Archie our Labrador, enjoying Spring Bluebells
National Trust Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire -Native Bluebells
National Trust Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire – Native Bluebells
Archie, taking in the scent of Bluebells
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/trails/three-in-one-bluebell-walk-at-ashridge
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/features/protecting-the-bluebells-at-ashridge
http://www.wildlifebcn.org/news/2016/04/04/bluebell-barcoding-day
http://publicengagement.wellcomegenomecampus.org/page/bluebell-survey-2016
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebell
Native Bluebell – Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Native Bluebell – Hyacinthoides non-scripta – nectar rich and visited by Bees, Butterflies and Hoverflies. Warren Wood, Bedfordshire.
Spring Morning Dew
Narcissus pseudonarcissus in Maulden Woods Bedfordshire
Native Hedgerow plant – Blackthorn Blossom – Prunus spinosa
No pollinators = No Sloes for Sloe Gin.
109 species of insect are associated with Blackthorn , including the rare Black Hair Streak Butterfly. As an early native flowering hedgerow plant, Blackthorn provides valuable nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. The foliage which appears after the flowers is food for many moth caterpillars. Birds, including Nightingales and Blackbirds nest within the thorny dense thickets and as part of the food web, eat the caterpillars and other insects on the leaves. Birds also feast on the sloe berries in the Autumn.
Salix caprea – (Goat willow, Pussy Willow) and Drone Fly
Salix caprea – excellent early source of pollen and nectar for all pollinators. Drone Fly, only one pair of wings, 10-12mm long body, large eyes and inconspicuous antennae. Drinks nectar, visually mimics male honeybees hence common name.
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’ Japanese quince – Plants for wildlife and Pollinators
Chaenomeles are an early nectar and pollen source. Fruits may be eaten by birds in the Autumn and left to become a shrubby tangle could make a decent protective nesting site.
Gardening Jules 