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Early Spring butterflies

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For many of us it’s spotting the first butterflies that mean Spring is really here. The 59 species of UK butterflies (including 2 regular migrants) are some of our most attractive insects, but like many other species, their n umbers have declined dramatically over the last 50 years perhaps by as much as 50%. Major threats include  loss of habitat (especially food plants), continuing use of chemicals pesticides, and climate change. The earliest species on the wing are normally those that have overwintered in a dormant state as adult butterflies. The yellow B rimstone butterfly , named after an archaic word for sulphur, is one of the first butterflies we see flying in spring. That's because it steals a march on many other species by over-wintering as an adult, often among clusters of ivy leaves where its pale underwings camouflage it superbly.  The Brimstone has a very long proboscis, so it can reach nectar on flowers which most other UK butterflies cannot, such as runner beans ...
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Stunning wildflower display at Oak Grange

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Can you believe this was a building site in 2019! Fortunately the planners designated some of the area to be seeded with wildflowers. The landscape contractors are now following the management plan and not mowing for the growing season. We now have a lovely sea of oxeye daisies. However they are not alone, over the last 4 weeks I have been recording all the flowering plants I spot when walking the dog. These are just snaps fromthe phone, I have identified 28 different species! Some obviously were in the seed mix, some were already here and a couple are the native hedge. Such a wonderful mix to help our insects.  More species of plants are budding up and hopefully will feed the insects over the summer and autumn.  It has been quite challenging working but well worth the effort. It is a wonderful sight to see, but please remember not to pick the wildflowers. The management of the Oak Grange estate is funded by the residents alone. The Glorious Cotswold Grassland project has kind...
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No pesticides - more bees

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Caroline: 'This is what I get beeing in my garden without pesticides' Most people are familiar with honey bees and bumblebees, but those who observe more closely will have noticed there are smaller furry bees moving from flower to flower. There are around 20,000 described bee species worldwide. Most of these bees are known as solitary bees with only 250 bumblebee species, 9 honey bee species and a number of social stingless bees worldwide. In Britain we have around 270 species of bee, just under 250 of which are solitary bees. These bees can be amazingly effective pollinators and as the name suggests tend not to live in colonies like bumblebees and honey bees. ' As a little head space activity I have been bee watching - something I started in lock down. This is what you get without pesticides' . (Caroline) Below are photos of some of the interesting early ground-nesting bees which were busy in Caroline's garden in the early Spring sunshine. I have also noticed many ...
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