Autumn 2024

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As summer wains into autumn we say goodbye to the wildflowers we have enjoyed through the summer months. The weather continues somewhat variable and the summer migrant birds are preparing to leave, some, such as the Reed Warblers, seem to have gone already. Swallows and Martins are feeding up over the water meadows before starting their journey south. We continue with our weekly butterfly surveys and, as reported nationally, butterfly numbers are down for all species. There appears to be a Muntjac deer resident in Middle Street Meadow at this time. We have seen it once or twice plus other evidence of it's presence. The swans and their eight cygnets have somehow become twelve cygnets.  The blackberries are in full fruit and visitors are filling bags and containers. The hedgerows are full of nuts and berries, Hawthorn, Hazel, Dogwood, Spindle etc. As the evenings draw in the countdown to winter has started.