Changes along the riverside were quite marked this year, with more diversity in wild flowers and grasses evident, all attracting a diversity of bees and butterflies in larger numbers and good numbers of early Damselflies emerging from the water where they have spent as long as two years in larva form. Most of the species seen need healthy, unpolluted river water in order to survive as predators in the larva stage, therefore their presence in adult form is good news, indicating good river ecology , not just of the river itself but of the river bank vegetation and surroundings.
This warm bank attracts butterflies - Small Skippers, Meadow Browns, Small Tortoiseshells, Commas, Ringlets and Green-veined White - with Beautiful Demoiselle and Banded Demoiselle damselflies, Large Red damselflies and more. Bumble bees, Honeybees, Hover flies, Ladybirds are attracted too.
The fresh nettles have been full of caterpillars, mainly of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies.
We have seen good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies emerge along the river and should soon see the Peacock butterflies. Mixed with the nettles this year, adding to the diversity of the riverbanks, Meadowsweet and Bramble flowers attract even more bees and large numbers of small insects.
We aim to protect and regenerate the diversity of all the native wild riverside species, flora and fauna alike.
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