The scorching temperatures have been brilliant for butterflies and make the meadows look even more astounding! If you take a wander out to the valley view point you'll pass an incredible diversity of wildflowers and invertebrates while this years woodpecker chicks dart out to the feeders belting out their metallic calls! Here's a pick of our top sightings this week:
Large Skipper - These little copper coloured butterflies dart about with a very distinctive flight and can be seen in most of the meadows around Coombes but you might need to wait until they land to tell them apart from the similar Small Skipper which has much more subtle markings.
(Large Skipper, photograph by Simon Gray)
Betony - This beautiful deep pink flower has come up in a large patch just down from the valley viewpoint. Its name is said to be derived from the Celtic words Bew (head) and Ton (good) as it was used as a remedy for headaches!
(Betony, Photograph by Simon Gray)
Harebells - Found in the same place as the betony these delicate pale blue flowers add a lesser seen colour to the pallette of the meadow. This part of the meadow seems particularly diverse possibly due to the thin soil layer and lack of nutrients which prevents grasses from dominating.
Large Emerald - This large and striking moth was actually found on the outside of the moth trap rather than on the inside! One of the definitive members of the Geometrid group of moths it is actually common throughout the British Isles.
Green Arches - This beautifully patterned moth has a dusting of green over its wings which gives it quite a spooky appearance in my opinion but mabye thats just me.
(Green Arches, Photograph by Simon Gray)
Meadow Brown - These butterflies can be seen all around the reserve at this time of year but you may have to wait some time for them to land and they are very easily spooked so if you want a closer look approach them very slowly.
Swallows - The glut of insects in the top meadow have meant there is plenty to keep the new generation of swallows happy. Just sitting on the viewing platform you'll see them darting over your head and swerving sharply to catch those tasty insects!
(Swallow, photograph by Becky Elliot)
Tufted Vetch - You'll notice the deep purple of this member of the pea family as you leave the plantation. Its also known as Cow Vetch or Bird Vetch.
(Tufted Vetch, Photograph by Simon Gray)
Theres no way you can walk through this amazing woodland and not see something beautiful so let us know what you've seen, whether its butterflies, buzzards or beetles! To get a glimpse of some of the incredible diversity of moths found at Coombes come along to our Mothy Coffee morning this Sunday 21st of July to help us ID and release some of these magical beasties!