Bees Bugs & Butterflies

29/10/2021

Have you ever wondered why moths are attracted to light? Moths navigate their dark environment by using the moon, keeping the light source in a certain position in relation to their body to guide them (called 'transverse orientation'). Unfortunately, the modern world is full of 'artificial moons', emitting a powerful light which stimulates the moth's eyes (tuned to very faint light). Artificial lighting can therefore impact their migration, reproduction and feeding patterns.

Let's help moths navigate at night...
💡Only use outdoor lighting when you need it and leave dark spaces in your garden
🚶Use motion sensors or timers for essential or security lighting and turn off when not needed
🦇Reduce light spill – hoods can direct light downwards or use walls/fences/dense vegetation and shut curtains at night
💛Choose low intensity lighting in warm white, yellow or amber hues - solar lights are great for a soft glow in your garden!

Celebrate week 👉 https://buff.ly/3EuNfVF

📷Vaughn Matthews Natural Devon

29/10/2021

25/10/2021

🍄The fungus of fairy tales, fly agaric toadstools are often found beneath birch or pine trees in autumn. The white 'spots' are remnants of the white veil of tissue which enclosed the young mushroom, and are sometimes washed off by the rain. This fungus was commonly used as a symbol of good luck on Christmas cards in Victorian and Edwardian times and its colours are thought to have been the inspiration for Santa Claus's red and white suit!

📷Penny from DWT

21/10/2021

🌎🌱🦋Help fight climate change by taking action in your own back yard or greenspace! There's lots of ways you can reduce heat risk, flood risk, help nature and the climate by getting a bit more 'green-fingered'. Did you know that climbers like honeysuckle and ivy can cool down external walls, as well as provide an important nectar source for insects? Find more tips here 👉https://buff.ly/3vtlgTm

📷 Nick Upton/2020VISION

18/10/2021

Redwings have arrived! These small thrushes migrate all the way from Iceland and Scandinavia to enjoy the feast of autumn and winter berries in our hedgerows, gardens and parks. These birds migrate here at night, so listen out for their 'tsee' call overhead on clear evenings. They can often be spotted in flocks with fieldfares, moving from bush to bush looking for food. Look out for the distinctive orangey-red patches under their wings!

📷 Margaret Holland

17/10/2021

🐛🦋🍂Help insects this autumn! If you're cutting your mini meadow or trimming back bushes, be mindful of the minibeasts which may have sought refuge there. Avoid disturbing the leaf litter around plants in borders as there could be many moth caterpillars tucked away amongst debris or buried in the soil. Nettles don’t need to be trimmed as they will die back over the winter and there may still be some caterpillar activity, including red admirals in 'chrysalis' cocoons.

📷Thanks to Penny from DWT, who rescued this privet hawk-moth caterpillar when tidying her garden last month

16/10/2021

Thank you to all the people who came to the meet and greet today

16/10/2021

🍄Turn spores into artwork with this FUNgi craft! Mushrooms are mesmerising and the 'gills' underneath the toadstool have distinctive, colourful features that help people identify them. Whether you're an expert or not, it's a lovely way to remember autumn explorations!

15/10/2021

The event at Trinity churchyard starts at 1000 not 1100 as posted .

15/10/2021

☀️In case you missed the sunrise this morning....
📷Taken by Ian from DWT on Dartmoor, who saw his first flock of redwings at Bellever Moor and Meadows nature reserve, along with a large red deer stag!

14/10/2021

Saturday 16th from 10am meeting to raise awareness of Trinity churchyard and the Bee Bug, Butterfly wild life haven to take part in a friendly caring group to maintain the area . John Walters will be showing and talking about moths , tea and coffee even biscuits .

11/10/2021

🦔As the leaf litter builds and autumn garden maintenance is underway, remember to check for hedgehog nests! Hedgehogs nest in leaves, long grass, bramble patches, under hedges and amongst overgrown vegetation. Always check these areas for wildlife and nests before doing any gardening - especially strimming and mowing. Find more helpful hedgehog hints here 👉 https://buff.ly/3AvtlaI

📷Tom Marshall