OUR AIM IS TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE HABITAT IT PROVIDES FOR WILDLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSIDE
To find Nature Notes and Records for Wildlife - click on
July 2019 proved to be a record month in many ways, triggered by the heat, in combination with rain.
Our July Meet was on 28th, not long after the 'Hottest Day Ever' but fortunately it had cooled down somewhat. An early start was made to avoid the heat of the day - and what was probably a record lack of litter and rubbish in the area meant an early finish! It proved that most people had not rushed out into the sun during the heatwave but wisely followed the example of wildlife and sought out the coolest place, then stayed put.
The rapid growth of riverside plants, wild flowers and grasses was probably another record, very welcome after last year when lack of rain stunted growth and caused plants to go to seed far sooner than they should.
A closed Gatekeeper butterfly on fresh Bramble leaves
waiting for the sun…
There has been a record number of these butterflies this year - they emerged just as their favoured nectar plants, mostly with yellow flowers such as Fleabane, began to open. Yes it's a record year for Common Fleabane too! These plants have only appeared here in recent years and each year a few more are seen.
Another favoured plant of course is the Bramble, of which there are several different species to choose from along the riverside and verges.
