Noticing Nature Blog

There were dozens of these Swollen-thighed Beetles (Oedemera nobilis) feeding on dog rose pollen along the footpath towards Goodnestone from Crixhall Court. Swollen-thighed Beetles

Forget your hybrid tea's and floribunda's, these gorgeous wild Dog Rose (Rosa canina) flowers are stealing the show in the hedgerow towards Crixhall Court. They are currently attracting loads of pollinators and, the hips they give rise to, will feed wildlife in the autumn and early winter. Dog Rose

Another hot one and a good day for insects. These male and female Azure Damselflies were in 'tandem' and the female was egg-laying in the churchyard pond. Male and female Azure Damselflies

It was hot today! Temperatures reaching 29-30 degrees. The southerly air-flow has brought an influx of the migrant butterfly, Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), to UK shores. These have flown from North Africa and through Europe to reach us. A good number were feeding on the flowers of Dogwood, along the footpath to Crixhall Court. The underwing of this butterfly is a work of art. Painted Lady butterfly

The fabulous caterpillars of the Mullein Moth (Cucullia verbasci). These were feeding on their preferred food plant, Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), in the churchyard. Mullein Moth larvae

Lots of Yellow Rattle in the churchyard. Over the past two summers, grass growth has reduced and other species are beginning to appear. There's still a way to go to get the diversity we're looking for, but it's heading in the right direction. Yellow Rattle