August — Liddells

Corrections and clarifications:

The bird in the photograph below is not, as declared last month, a juvenile Redpoll, but a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher. With no disrespect to the Redpoll fraternity, this is a bit more exciting! Thanks to Keith and TrogTrogBlog Chris for helping with identification.

1st August

John continued his pursuit of flora, one of the twins pursued an opportunity, the young buck recollected himself.

Fleabane Erigeron bonariensis: ‘Its curious scent, with hints of carbolic soap and chrysanthemum, is an insect repellent. In the past it was kept in houses specifically for the purpose of driving away fleas. Bunches were dried and burned as a fumigant or hung in rooms.To Gerard it was called Conyza, whilst the Konuza of Dioscorides, drove away midges in addition to fleas. It is in fact a relatively close relative of pyrethrum, which supplies the insecticide.Other past uses include treatments for unspecified eye ailments and dysentery.Local names include Camels, Harvest flower (since it blossoms in August and September), Job's tears, Mare's fat and Pig-daisy.’ (plantlife.org.uk) — Fleabane *Erigeron bonariensis*: ‘Its curious scent, with hints of carbolic soap and chrysanthemum, is an insect repellent. In the past it was kept in houses specifically for the purpose of driving away fleas. Bunches were dried and burned as a fumigant or hung in rooms.
To Gerard it was called Conyza, whilst the *Konuza* of Dioscorides, drove away midges in addition to fleas. It is in fact a relatively close relative of pyrethrum, which supplies the insecticide.
Other past uses include treatments for unspecified eye ailments and dysentery.
Local names include Camels, Harvest flower (since it blossoms in August and September), Job's tears, Mare's fat and Pig-daisy.’ (plantlife.org.uk)

Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris: ‘Lysimachia, the genus name, is in honour of Lysimachus, (c. 360BC - 281BC), a Macedonian general who, as one of the successors to Alexander the Great, became ruler (king, in effect) of a large part of the divided Macedonian Empire that had all been Alexander's realm.King Lysimachus is reputed to have fed 'loosestrife' plants from this genus to his oxen in order to calm them down whenever they became agitated and difficult to manage. The name Loosestrife means 'lose (or forget about) strife'. No worries, then!The specific epithet vulgaris means common.Yellow Loosestrife tied around the necks of oxen was reputed to keep irritating flies away from them. In the distant past these and several other kinds of 'loosestrife' plants were also used to get rid of infestations of flies in houses. The plants were dried and burned indoors, and toxins in the smoke drove out the flies (and no doubt also any human occupants).’ (first-nature.com) — Yellow Loosestrife *Lysimachia vulgaris*: ‘*Lysimachia*, the genus name, is in honour of Lysimachus, (c. 360BC - 281BC), a Macedonian general who, as one of the successors to Alexander the Great, became ruler (king, in effect) of a large part of the divided Macedonian Empire that had all been Alexander's realm.
King Lysimachus is reputed to have fed 'loosestrife' plants from this genus to his oxen in order to calm them down whenever they became agitated and difficult to manage. The name Loosestrife means 'lose (or forget about) strife'. No worries, then!
The specific epithet *vulgaris* means common.
Yellow Loosestrife tied around the necks of oxen was reputed to keep irritating flies away from them. In the distant past these and several other kinds of 'loosestrife' plants were also used to get rid of infestations of flies in houses. The plants were dried and burned indoors, and toxins in the smoke drove out the flies (and no doubt also any human occupants).’ (first-nature.com)

Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria: apparently no relation to Yellow Loosestrife, was ‘[i]ntroduced into North America in the 19th century. Purple-loosestrife is now an invasive weed, forming impenetrable stands that are unsuitable as cover for native animals and shade out native plants.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)However, ‘Purple loosestrife is a beauty. Like the Buddleias growing in railway sidings it's so common people don't notice it. Purple loosestrife flowers around the same time, and it seems to me to be just as a good a plant for pollinators.’ (habitataid.co.uk) — Purple Loosestrife *Lythrum salicaria*: apparently no relation to Yellow Loosestrife, was ‘[i]ntroduced into North America in the 19th century. Purple-loosestrife is now an invasive weed, forming impenetrable stands that are unsuitable as cover for native animals and shade out native plants.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)
However, ‘Purple loosestrife is a beauty. Like the Buddleias growing in railway sidings it's so common people don't notice it. Purple loosestrife flowers around the same time, and it seems to me to be just as a good a plant for pollinators.’ (habitataid.co.uk)

Upright Hedge Parsley Torilis japonica: ‘[I]n Chinese traditional medicine it has been used for treating haemorrhoids, spasm, uterine tumours, fever, and dysentery. Recently, medical studies have shown that Japanese Hedge Parsley may have a potential for combatting cancer. A substance known as torilin can be extracted from the plant and has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) Torilin is a compound from the fruits of the plant and has been shown to inhibit the growth of blood vessels in tumour development from benign to malignant and thus has a toxic effect on tumours. It also has been found to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to androgen, which is being studied further in the treatment of prostate cancer and alopecia. (wikipedia.org) — Upright Hedge Parsley *Torilis japonica*: ‘[I]n Chinese traditional medicine it has been used for treating haemorrhoids, spasm, uterine tumours, fever, and dysentery. Recently, medical studies have shown that Japanese Hedge Parsley may have a potential for combatting cancer. A substance known as torilin can be extracted from the plant and has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) Torilin is a compound from the fruits of the plant and has been shown to inhibit the growth of blood vessels in tumour development from benign to malignant and thus has a toxic effect on tumours. It also has been found to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to androgen, which is being studied further in the treatment of prostate cancer and alopecia. (wikipedia.org)

2nd August

John and Clare are very much enjoying the repaired trail camera. It was a treat to see a Jay in the Pit Wood. They are often heard, less often seen. The roe twins are always a delight - in this footage their ears seem particularly active.

3rd - 4th August

Clare had a visit from the Bee Inspector. This was the second time she had been visited and so was less nervous and knew this wasn’t the equivalent of a tax inspection. Although Mathilda likes to think of each individual bee being inspected and emerging with a certificate and mortarboard to throw in the air, the Inspector checks for signs of diseases or pests, provides help and advice on good husbandry and how to tackle any problems he, she or they might find. Clare has always learned from watching other beekeepers and gained from their experience. This time the Inspector noted a few instances of Deformed Wing Virus, which is most often spread by Varroa mites. Autumn is a good time to treat for Varroa although Clare heard an edition of Inside Science two days later which featured research on how honey bees were coping to resist the mites without any chemical control being used.

Clare spent a considerable amount of time pointing out to John the location of a small insect which was clinging to a Marsh thistle stem on he island in the Big Pond. The first task was to find the correct thistle. The island has many thistles. Clare could only see the creature through her binoculars (and what seems like three net curtains - she is waiting for eye surgery), and only realised why John was having such difficulty when, after several fruitless attempts at location description, she looked through his camera lens. She is still unsure of the identification, although it might have been a grasshopper. At one point Clare was tempted to name it a ‘Could-lead-to-divorce’ insect.

John found the mating Common Darters easier to spot. Clare was pleased to see her first Painted Lady of the season on Knapweed in the Meadow.

John took photographs of some of the last plants to flower this season and noticed the prospect of autumn fruitfulness.

It is the time of the Roe deer rut and the trail camera has captured footage which would seem to provide evidence of this on Liddells. In the second clip you can clearly see the scent glands on the buck’s rather crooked hind legs. The squeaking sound in the background could well be one of the kids, and the sound may well have attracted the buck as he would know the doe would be close by.

The trail camera also provided evidence that the big buck is back. John believes there are three bucks around Liddells at the moment - the big old one, the one with the broken antler, and the one with rather crooked hind legs.

Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea: is the foodplant of the black-and-red cinnabar moth: sometimes its black-and yellow-barred caterpillars cover the plant, totally stripping the leaves…Common ragwort is one of the most frequently visited flowers by butterflies in the UK and more than 200 species of invertebrate have been recorded on it.’ (wildlifetrusts.org) Many people know that this plant is poisonous to livestock, however it is not as well known that livestock will not graze on the plant. It is only poisonous if it is chopped up and mixed in hay, when animals eat it not knowing it is there. John and Clare always check the top Grazing and Meadow and remove Ragwort if they find it there, however the plant is left alone in other locations. — Common Ragwort *Senecio jacobaea:* is the foodplant of the black-and-red cinnabar moth: sometimes its black-and yellow-barred caterpillars cover the plant, totally stripping the leaves…Common ragwort is one of the most frequently visited flowers by butterflies in the UK and more than 200 species of invertebrate have been recorded on it.’ (wildlifetrusts.org) Many people know that this plant is poisonous to livestock, however it is not as well known that livestock will not graze on the plant. It is only poisonous if it is chopped up and mixed in hay, when animals eat it not knowing it is there. John and Clare always check the top Grazing and Meadow and remove Ragwort if they find it there, however the plant is left alone in other locations.

Mugwort Artemesia vukgaris: The mugwort plant has been traditionally used for everything from digestive disorders to beer-making, insect repellent, and more…The aerial parts of the mugwort plant are used as an essential oil. The plant is also burned in moxibustion practices.* In addition to its medicinal use, mugwort has been used for smudging, protection, and inducing vivid dreams (when placed underneath a person’s pillow).Historically, mugwort was used by the Romans, who are said to have planted it by roadsides, so that marching soldiers could put the plant in their shoes. This was done to relieve aching feet. St. John the Baptist was said to have worn a girdle of mugwort.’ (verywellhealth.com)* Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, on or near your body's meridians and acupuncture points. Practitioners believe that the resulting heat helps stimulate these points and improves the flow of qi (energy) in your body. — Mugwort *Artemesia vukgaris*: The mugwort plant has been traditionally used for everything from digestive disorders to beer-making, insect repellent, and more…The aerial parts of the mugwort plant are used as an essential oil. The plant is also burned in moxibustion practices.* In addition to its medicinal use, mugwort has been used for smudging, protection, and inducing vivid dreams (when placed underneath a person’s pillow).
Historically, mugwort was used by the Romans, who are said to have planted it by roadsides, so that marching soldiers could put the plant in their shoes. This was done to relieve aching feet. St. John the Baptist was said to have worn a girdle of mugwort.’ (verywellhealth.com)
* Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, on or near your body's meridians and acupuncture points. Practitioners believe that the resulting heat helps stimulate these points and improves the flow of qi (energy) in your body.

Burdock Arctium: ‘Recent studies have shown that the extracted oil from the root of Burdock is rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols.Burdock was commonly used in cooking in the UK in times past but has long been forgotten about. In Asia Burdock is still used to this day where it is collected commercially and called Gobo. Starting in 1948 George de Mestral, a Swiss inventor, created Velcro after walking his dog and noticing the ‘burs’ from Burdock sticking to his dog. If you are lucky to be near some Burdock when it starts to rain the leaves are big enough to make a foraged umbrella!’ (wildfooduk.com)Readers may also remember drinking the very sweet Dandelion and Burdock fizzy drink. — Burdock *Arctium*: ‘Recent studies have shown that the extracted oil from the root of Burdock is rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols.
Burdock was commonly used in cooking in the UK in times past but has long been forgotten about. In Asia Burdock is still used to this day where it is collected commercially and called Gobo.
Starting in 1948 George de Mestral, a Swiss inventor, created Velcro after walking his dog and noticing the ‘burs’ from Burdock sticking to his dog.
If you are lucky to be near some Burdock when it starts to rain the leaves are big enough to make a foraged umbrella!’ (wildfooduk.com)
Readers may also remember drinking the very sweet Dandelion and Burdock fizzy drink.

Canadian Goldenrod Solidago canadensis: probably originally naturalised from garden stock, now well established as a wild flower and much visited by bees, ‘Three colours of dye, mustard, orange and brown, can be extracted from the whole plant.It is poisonous containing some pyrrolizidine alkaloids,’ (wildflowerfinder.org.uk) — Canadian Goldenrod *Solidago canadensis*: probably originally naturalised from garden stock, now well established as a wild flower and much visited by bees, ‘Three colours of dye, mustard, orange and brown, can be extracted from the whole plant.
It is poisonous containing some pyrrolizidine alkaloids,’ (wildflowerfinder.org.uk)

Nipplewort Lapsana communis: one wildflower recorder proposes that ‘Nipplewort derives its name from the nipples within the spent flower going to seed, a very distinctive feature of Nipplewort. They appear to shine as stars within the dark interior of the 'sepal tube', which is a row of bracts which distinctively has eight 'teeth'. (wildflowerfinder.org.uk)Young leaves can be harvested and eaten as microgreens or cooked and used like spinach. ‘The plant is said to have an overall calming effect, reportedly helps the kidney function, and can help stop the flow of milk when breastfeeding mums want to wean.’ (wildplantguides.com) — Nipplewort *Lapsana communis*: one wildflower recorder proposes that ‘Nipplewort derives its name from the nipples within the spent flower going to seed, a very distinctive feature of Nipplewort. They appear to *shine as stars* within the dark interior of the 'sepal tube', which is a row of bracts which distinctively has *eight 'teeth'*. (wildflowerfinder.org.uk)
Young leaves can be harvested and eaten as microgreens or cooked and used like spinach. ‘The plant is said to have an overall calming effect, reportedly helps the kidney function, and can help stop the flow of milk when breastfeeding mums want to wean.’ (wildplantguides.com)

Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium: ‘Rosebay Willowherb is able to colonise new areas because of its specially adapted seeds - fitted with tiny, cottony 'parachutes' they are able to disperse across long distances on the slightest breeze. Each plant can produce up to 80,000 seeds and the heat from fires and bonfires can help to germinate them, hence another common name of 'Fireweed'.’ (wildlifetrusts.org) — Rosebay Willowherb *Chamerion angustifolium*: ‘Rosebay Willowherb is able to colonise new areas because of its specially adapted seeds - fitted with tiny, cottony 'parachutes' they are able to disperse across long distances on the slightest breeze. Each plant can produce up to 80,000 seeds and the heat from fires and bonfires can help to germinate them, hence another common name of 'Fireweed'.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)

Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica: the usp of this plant is its unpleasant and astringent smell, particularly strong when the plant is crushed. Fortunately bees are not deterred by this as they pollinate the plant.‘[T]his wildflower was used as a herbal remedy to staunch bleeding and heal tissue…Its Latin name Stachys means 'spike of flowers', and Sylvatica means 'of the forest'.It is also known as Wood Woundwort, Hedge Nettle, Red Archangel, and Whitespot.The London based herbalist John Gerard would use Hedge Woundwort to treat injuries received in pub brawls during the 1600' (plantlife.org.uk) — Hedge Woundwort *Stachys sylvatica*: the usp of this plant is its unpleasant and astringent smell, particularly strong when the plant is crushed. Fortunately bees are not deterred by this as they pollinate the plant.
‘[T]his wildflower was used as a herbal remedy to staunch bleeding and heal tissue…
Its Latin name Stachys means 'spike of flowers', and Sylvatica means 'of the forest'.
It is also known as Wood Woundwort, Hedge Nettle, Red Archangel, and Whitespot.
The London based herbalist John Gerard would use Hedge Woundwort to treat injuries received in pub brawls during the 1600' (plantlife.org.uk)

Heather or Ling Calluna vulgaris: ‘Historically, Heather has been used for many purposes, such as fuel, fodder, building materials, thatch, packing and ropes. It was also used to make brooms, which is how it got its Latin name - Callunais derived from the Greek word meaning 'to brush'.’ (wildlifetrusts.org) — Heather or Ling *Calluna vulgaris*: ‘Historically, Heather has been used for many purposes, such as fuel, fodder, building materials, thatch, packing and ropes. It was also used to make brooms, which is how it got its Latin name - Callunais derived from the Greek word meaning 'to brush'.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)

Wild Raspberry aka Hindberry Rubus Idaeus: Clare is fond of collecting berries for her hedgerow jelly. ‘The leaves can also be used to make tea, simply steep them in boiling water for a few minutes. The tea is said to relieve stomach cramps and diarrhea. But care must be taken if you are pregnant.’ (totallywilduk.co.uk) — Wild Raspberry aka Hindberry *Rubus Idaeus*: Clare is fond of collecting berries for her hedgerow jelly. ‘The leaves can also be used to make tea, simply steep them in boiling water for a few minutes. The tea is said to relieve stomach cramps and diarrhea. But care must be taken if you are pregnant.’ (totallywilduk.co.uk)

Bramble Rubus fruticosus: An excellent food source. ‘Bramble flowers are a food source for honey bees and bumblebees and other wild animals. Leaves are eaten by certain caterpillars as well as some grazing mammals, especially deer. Ripe berries are eaten and their seeds dispersed by several mammals such as fox and badger, and small birds.’ (woodlandtrust.org.uk) John adds that Bramble is a favourite food of the Roe. And when all of those have eaten their fill, any berries left go into the aforementioned hedgerow jelly. — Bramble *Rubus fruticosus*: An excellent food source. ‘Bramble flowers are a food source for honey bees and bumblebees and other wild animals. Leaves are eaten by certain caterpillars as well as some grazing mammals, especially deer. Ripe berries are eaten and their seeds dispersed by several mammals such as fox and badger, and small birds.’ (woodlandtrust.org.uk)
John adds that Bramble is a favourite food of the Roe. And when all of those have eaten their fill, any berries left go into the aforementioned hedgerow jelly.

Beech Fagus sylvatica: ‘The ancient Greeks believed that beechnuts or ‘mast’ were the first food eaten by humans. The nuts are edible but should not be eaten in large quantities…[as e}xcessive consumption of the raw nuts may cause poisoning.’ (eatweeds.co.uk) — Beech *Fagus sylvatica*: ‘The ancient Greeks believed that beechnuts or ‘mast’ were the first food eaten by humans. The nuts are edible but should not be eaten in large quantities…[as e}xcessive consumption of the raw nuts may cause poisoning.’ (eatweeds.co.uk)

6th August

The buck is in pursuit of the doe again.

7th August

The shepherd’s hut offered more insect identification challenges. Both the ladybird and the wasp were on one of the windows looking north.

A limb has broken away from a large Oak in the Orchard. Unfortunately it has damaged the top of the Tawny Owl box however as the box has only been used by squirrels, John and Clare are not too upset about that, although the damage to the tree is upsetting.

Another wildflower for the records and more ingredients for hedgerow jelly.

Clare’s best guess is that this is a Cream-spot ladybird Calvia quattuordecimguttata. By chance the Natural History Society of Northumbria has recently included a feature on ladybirds and this helped. — Clare’s best guess is that this is a Cream-spot ladybird *Calvia quattuordecimguttata*. By chance the Natural History Society of Northumbria has recently included a feature on ladybirds and this helped.

Another Ichneumenoid, however it has been hard to identify it in its deceased state

Enchanter’s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana — Enchanter’s Nightshade *Circaea lutetiana*

A close-up of the flower. The plant is related to the Willowherb family, not to Deadly Nightshade as might be assumed. ‘The Latin name Circaea relates to Circe, an enchantress sometimes depicted as the Greek goddess of magic, who was known for her knowledge of herbs…Enchanter’s nightshade has been used treat wounds and as a flavouring in Austrian tea. In the Scottish Highlands it was thought to be an aphrodisiac.’ (woodlandtrust.org)However - ‘Despite its evocative name, there are no known herbal uses or supposed powers attributed to enchanter's nightshade.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)Perhaps the discrepancy in understanding is part of how it enchants. — A close-up of the flower. The plant is related to the Willowherb family, not to Deadly Nightshade as might be assumed.
‘The Latin name *Circaea* relates to Circe, an enchantress sometimes depicted as the Greek goddess of magic, who was known for her knowledge of herbs…Enchanter’s nightshade has been used treat wounds and as a flavouring in Austrian tea. In the Scottish Highlands it was thought to be an aphrodisiac.’ (woodlandtrust.org)
However -
‘Despite its evocative name, there are no known herbal uses or supposed powers attributed to enchanter's nightshade.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)
Perhaps the discrepancy in understanding is part of how it enchants.

Hawthorn berries - these are plenteous this year so when ripe will provide plenty of food for birds over the winter (and be included in hedgerow jelly).

8th August

One of the bucks is on the trail of something. One of the kids is beginning to forage for herself, and one of the kids is in pursuit of one of the bucks, maybe its father.

9th August

Juno looks ready to create her own enchantments.

Footage from the trail camera is causing John and Clare to think the doe may have had triplets not twins, however it is more likely that there are twins to a young looking doe.

10th August

Clare remembered to take a photograph of one of the last of the year’s wildflowers to appear on the Meadow- Tansy - while John took one of Meadowsweet on the Wetland. Tim sent an image of a ‘stunning creature’ that he thinks is a second generation Speckled Wood.

Tansy Tanacetum vulgare: ‘Tansy leaves were traditionally eaten at Easter to help kill off the worms that the diet of fish at the time caused. They were quite bitter, so were mixed with eggs, milk and flour in a kind of pancake or omelette.’ (wildlifetrusts.org) — Tansy *Tanacetum vulgare*: ‘Tansy leaves were traditionally eaten at Easter to help kill off the worms that the diet of fish at the time caused. They were quite bitter, so were mixed with eggs, milk and flour in a kind of pancake or omelette.’ (wildlifetrusts.org)

Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria: also known as Mead wort, Queen of the meadow, Pride of the meadow, Meadow-wort, Meadow queen, Lady of the meadow, Dollof, meadsweet, and Bridewort. ‘The flowers of Meadowsweet are sometimes used in wine, beer and vinegar, or to give jams a subtle almond flavour. In fact, the common name of this plant likely arose as a result of it being used to flavour mead.’ (wildlifetrusts.org). A natural black dye can be obtained from the roots by using a copper mordant. A tea can be made from the flowers and the leaves and drunk to help treat rheumatism, gout, infections, and fever. — Meadowsweet *Filipendula ulmaria*: also known as Mead wort, Queen of the meadow, Pride of the meadow, Meadow-wort, Meadow queen, Lady of the meadow, Dollof, meadsweet, and Bridewort. ‘The flowers of Meadowsweet are sometimes used in wine, beer and vinegar, or to give jams a subtle almond flavour. In fact, the common name of this plant likely arose as a result of it being used to flavour mead.’ (wildlifetrusts.org). A natural black dye can be obtained from the roots by using a copper mordant. A tea can be made from the flowers and the leaves and drunk to help treat rheumatism, gout, infections, and fever.

11th August

Clare spotted a hoverfly waiting its turn to enter a Foxglove flower. Clare’s niece and family visited Liddells for the morning and Julian sent some of her photographs. She has perfectly captured the different qualities of the two boys. Much fun was had pond-dipping.

After the fun, the hard work as John and Clare began prepping the Meadow for cutting, strimming the edges and brashing the Hawthorns.

Marmalade hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus: apparently the UK’s most common hoverfly, getting its name from the orange and black bands across its body. — Marmalade hoverfly *Episyrphus balteatus*: apparently the UK’s most common hoverfly, getting its name from the orange and black bands across its body.

Bron in less serious identification mode.

12th August

More Meadow prep. Clare and John are going to use the Hawthorn brash to provide natural protection from deer fraying for some of the saplings where the tubes need removing.

Tom was able to cut the Meadow this evening.

Small-leaved lime protected from fraying

13th - 23rd August

A most frustrating time - after a couple of warm breezy days when Tom was able to turn the hay and row it up, there followed days of cold and rain. The hay was ruined as a food crop though can be used for bedding. Clare and John are very disappointed and recognise the annual dilemma with the Meadow, which is late -flowering - cut early and lose the benefit of seeds setting and falling; cut late and risk losing the whole crop because of August rains.

Walking past the roadside pond, a female pheasant scuttled away leaving two chicks - a moment of delight to offset the Meadow disappointment.

Before the rain came, the roadside pond had almost dried out, revealing some pond snails. They can feed on algae which is A Good Thing although they can also eat pond plants which is A Bad Thing. Apparently there are over 30 different species of freshwater snail in Britain. Another area for study and learning.

Clare found a grasshopper basking on a warm stone in the boundary wall. It was far easier to see and identify than the creature on the pond island and led to no matrimonial conflict whatsoever.

The trail camera has captured more footage of the deer - a kid showing its inexperience and being unsure what lies ahead, the doe without the kids, and the different behaviour of the two kids, one seemingly more venturesome than the other.

Common green grasshopper Omocestus viridulus: no stridulation to be heard at this sighting — Common green grasshopper *Omocestus viridulus*: no stridulation to be heard at this sighting

24th August

Clare, with John’s help, took a super of honey from one of the hives. The other hive is subject to robbing from wasps which have dug a nest in the Meadow. Clare has done what she can to help the bees defend their forage, confusing the wasps with a glass sheet in front of the hive entrance and reducing the entrance to a small hole which the guard bees can more easily defend. The next step will be destroying the wasps’ nest. Clare saw a Wall Brown by the hives and was amused by the idea of a Wall Brown sitting on the fence.

25th August

The deer family are captured altogether and attending to their hygiene.

29th August

Just when Clare had thought that there were no more wildflowers to emerge this year, she saw a plant in front of the hide that she had not seen before. Initially she was alarmed that it was Japanese Knotweed however Mel has provided a more reassuring identification - Pale Persicaria, which is in the Knotweed family though not as troublesome.

Clare set about destroying the wasps’ nest on the Meadow and hoped that this will alleviate the honey bees’ struggles to defend their stores.

One of the roe kids demonstrates how it she is learning behaviour from her mother, while the other can be heard and seen squeaking - watch her abdomen moving.