Summer at Fingle - Looking for Lammas
Once the colourful flourish of spring wildflowers is over, the woodland takes on every hue of green as summer establishes itself. The annual race for the available sunlight has been won by the tall trees of the canopy and the browned stems of the once glorious bluebells stand in the shade cast across the woodland floor. The frenetic activity of the territorial birds has long since receded. Nesting season is largely done and their urgent singing has mellowed to an occasional call to keep in touch. So, to find the highlights of the summer woodland, we need to look in different places. Here are a few ideas to keep an eye out for as you walk through the summer woods.
On the occasional hotter days at Fingle you might feel like slowing down and taking your time, so find a patch of brambles in a sunny spot and take a break. The humble bramble in a sunlit spot can be the centre of attention for many species of pollinating insects at this time of year and well worth a look. Spend a few minutes watching the different woodland butterflies that visit the rapidly fading pale pink flowers. They are in a hurry to feed on the bramble’s nectar before the transformation to glossy blackberries marks the end of summer.
On the occasional hotter days at Fingle you might feel like slowing down and taking your time, so find a patch of brambles in a sunny spot and take a break. The humble bramble in a sunlit spot can be the centre of attention for many species of pollinating insects at this time of year and well worth a look. Spend a few minutes watching the different woodland butterflies that visit the rapidly fading pale pink flowers. They are in a hurry to feed on the bramble’s nectar before the transformation to glossy blackberries marks the end of summer.
Another resident riverside mammal is the otter which, during a darkening evening, if you are really lucky, you may be able to see one …. Just maybe!by Matt Parkins
