Hello everyone!
And a big hello to our new residential volunteer, Justine, who arrived at the beginning of the week. We introduced J to the role with a full day of pulling ragwort at Labrador bay... welcome to the team!
Just like that, Phill and I are in the daunting position of showing someone else the ropes. It comes as a big surprise, to none more than me, that after two and a half months I might actually have a grip on some elements of the job – a great credit to the Exminster staff and volunteers. Saying that, many of the tools are still thingymajigs, insects and flowers are referred to as whatyamacallits and let’s not forget the small brown birds... Looking to where I started, I realise how much I have learned; however nature is never stationary, as the seasons change our roles change with it. Every day is a school day.
This week, lessons were largely held at Labrador Bay, amongst the grasses and flowers. J was joined for lunch by a Harvestman, a spider like arachnid; burnet and cinnabar moths were out in force, with their striking red and black colouring; and we were surrounded by marbled white, small copper, gatekeeper, and meadow brown butterflies.
Burnet Moth
With thanks to the fantastic work party for their willingness in the face of oxford ragwort, as well as their invaluable imparted knowledge. A special thanks also to our young helper, Nick, who has brought energy and enthusiasm to every task over the last week and a half (not to mention biscuits this morning!). I hope Nick has enjoyed his experience on the reserve and getting involved with nature.
If you would like to get outside and involved with nature this summer, there are many ways to go about it:
This week marks the beginning of the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide survey carried out between the 17th July and 9th of August. . If spending 15 minutes on a sunny day looking for these beautiful creatures in the garden or a local park sounds like your cup of tea, why not take part in the world’s biggest butterfly survey. For more information, check out the website at: www.bigbutterflycount.org.
There are a number of local upcoming RSPB events to take part in, including: ‘New to Nature’ photography courses from renowned wildlife photographer David Pike; The Big Wild Sleepout at Bowling Green Hide; as well as regular guided walks from Darts Farm.
Join the Devon Wildlife Trust and RSPB for the East Devon Heath week, an annual series of events beginning on Sunday 26th of July. With events suitable for all ages, ranging from wildlife walks and reptile rambles to storytelling and mountain bike safari, it is a fantastic opportunity to see the heathland landscape and wildlife at its most spectacular. For more details and further events, have a look at the RSPB website at: www.rspb.org.uk.
Laura