Noticing Nature Blog

Within the 3K circle from Staple church, there are a number of different wildlife habitats. Despite the underlying chalk under much of east Kent, natural chalk downland is a rare one. The only pocket (a small one at that) that I know of is at Lower Rowling. This consists of a short stretch of KWT roadside nature reserve, an irregularly used but working chalk quarry and a recent arable reversion field adjacent to both. Here you will find examples of chalk downland flora and fa

This small, day-flying moth was one of several around the Wild Marjaram in my garden today. It is one of the Mint Moths, probably Pyrausta purpuralis. They are fairly common if the right plant species are available but easily overlooked. Mint Moth

This Lime Hawk Moth caterpillar was on the footpath north of the church this afternoon. Lime Hawk Moth caterpillar

An obliging Willow Emerald Damselfly by the Great Pedding stream. This damselfly is a recent colonist, first recorded in Suffolk in 2007, and has spread rapidly. Willow Emerald Damselfly

A morning spent in Goodnestone Park Gardens was a pleasant experience despite the heat. As with most other gardens, it was parched, but even with minimal watering only, there were plenty of flowering plants. These gardens are pesticide free and superbly managed for wildlife and today there were masses of bees of several species taking advantage. The Blood Bees, kleptoparasites of other ground nesting bees, caught my attention as well as a newly emerged Ivy Bee. Probable Box-h

There are lots of dragonflies about at the moment. Sadly, they seldom pose conveniently for a quick pic though. However, this immature Ruddy Darter was quite obliging. It blended into the concrete pad very effectively and was perhaps, relying on its camouflage. Ruddy Darter dragonfly