The Nature Report - September 2003

Sloe's - Fruit of the Blackthorn This year has been a good year for fruits and berries on most trees we have seen a good crop on our two Damson trees and also on their wild relatives the blackthorn with a bumper crop of sloes.

Besides the usual fruit pies and jam we are trying to make Sloe Gin and Damson brandy.

These will be ready by Christmas so more bulletins later.

I mentioned the Autumn Equinox in the weather report and this year we noticed that by the 25th two days after the equinox the swallows had departed on their journey to North Africa.

Acorn As I mentioned MOST trees have had good crops with one main exception the Oaks.

There are very few acorns to be seen on most of the trees at Greenheyes I don’t know the answer to this or whether this is common elsewhere this year please let us know anyone else reading this.

Also this month we have had a conservation advice meeting with the ADAS farm advisory service.

An interesting meeting and more developments, a possible “LIVE” Nature Trail may be developing for next year.

Rose by river Close up of rose Speaking of the Nature Trail, while making his rounds andrew came across this "wild rose" while walking along the bank of the River Dane.

It had not been planted, and had probably arrived by drifting down the River Dane from somewhere upstream

Speckled Wood Although the swallows have left us for sunnier climates, the temperature is still warm enough for some summer acquaintances. The Red Admiral and the Speckled Wood being just two of several species of butterfly that could still be found as September closed.

There were also several dragonfly species to be seen. This one was well camouflaged as the image on the left illustrates

Well that's it for now,

more next month Phil.