Summer is bursting at the seams with ditch edges seeing vegetation reaching lush heights attracting a variety of hovering dragonflies: Black-Tailed Skimmer, Golden-ringed and Four-spotted Chaser. The flowers on the now dense bramble shrubs are providing the perfect habitat for nectar-gathering bees and sun-bathing butterflies including: Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Meadow Brown.
Whilst managing the water levels one day, my colleague stumbled across the butterfly-flitting Banded Demoiselle in one of the fields. These beautiful damselflies are commonly seen away from water among tall vegetation choosing only to approach water when searching for a mate or laying eggs in submerged plants. Think you can attract dragonflies and butterflies? It’s easy to let grass grow long, so why not leave a small patch in your garden to attract wildlife and you’ll be giving nature a home.
All these fantastic creatures bode well for our new pond-dipping platform diligently constructed by staff and residential volunteers. This free event is on Saturdays 20 July and 24 August between 1030am and 1230pm. So bring along your pond nets where there’ll be fun for families, little and big kids! Make sure to book on 01392 432691.