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Dear phenology recorders
This edition is packed with things to do – whether making drinks
from elderflowers, spotting moths or helping to protect woodland. I
hope you find an idea to inspire you to get involved.
I learnt a fascinating fact from Butterfly Conservation while reading
about their work for the enclosed article – did you know that
without moths and other insects, our gardens would be devoid of almost
all of our familiar garden birds? Blue tit chicks alone eat some 35
billion moth caterpillars a year in Britain!
Kate
Lewthwaite
Nature's Calendar Project Manager
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Making the most of elderflowers
Our
team are excited by the start of the elderflower season and not just so
we can record them. I made some elderflower champagne last year which
was delicious, sparkling and non-alcoholic (or only slightly so
depending on which recipe you believe). I want to try making
elderflower cordial this year. We’ve found some online recipes if
you want to have a go too. Tips when collecting wild food | Elderflower cordial | Elderflower champagne (pdf) |
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Learning across the generations
We’re
looking for examples of how adults and children aid each other to learn
about nature by sharing experiences. For instance, have you helped
young members of your family to identify common wildlife? Have younger
people broadened your understanding eg by helping you to enter findings
on the Nature’s Calendar website? If you have a story to share,
please email us.
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Stop Stansted Expansion
For
years the threat of a second runway at Stansted Airport has been
hanging over 19 hectares (47 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland in
Essex. Now BAA have submitted their planning application for the new
runway and you have the chance to object to it. Take action now - to respond before the 26 June deadline. See our recent TV news story. |
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2008 Garden Moths Count
Garden Moths Count
(21 June – 6 July) run by Butterfly Conservation aims to raise
awareness of the beauty, diversity and importance of moths in our
gardens and in the countryside. Moths represent a hidden wealth of
wildlife on all our doorsteps with hundreds of species visiting average
gardens and stunning colours and patterns. Among the 20 target species
to find are the wonderfully named elephant and hummingbird hawk-moths. Take part. |
