Countryfile: Dry spell, but still plenty for a wild summer
As we battle to stay cool during the second heatwave of the summer it would be easy to assume the parched nature of our lawns and parks and the distinctly golden hues across much of the wider countryside that the best of summer wildlife is behind us. — Writes, Erin McDaid, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
However, if you take the time to look there is still plenty of interest and colour to enjoy. While grasslands might be yellowing more than usual, summer wildflowers such as scabious, knapweed and yarrow, will be alive with a myriad of bees, hoverflies, butterflies and day-flying moths. A wander through any areas of long grass provides an opportunity chance to hear the pleasing chirp of grasshoppers and the delightful sight of them hopping out of the way.
While many wetland areas are much drier than is ideal, there are still a wide variety of water birds to enjoy, from ducks and geese to waders such as lapwing, dunlin and greenshank. Overhead, we can still enjoy the aerial delights of martins and swallows, and even swifts. Wetland areas, including riversides also offer the prospect of exciting encounters with damselflies and dragonflies, either spotting them as they dry out in the sun ahead of their first flight, or hunting insect prey above the surface of the water.
For those lucky enough to have a garden there is the prospect of savouring the sight of bees and butterflies, and for those that feed the birds year-round there is still a chance to spot young chicks from late broods of species such as sparrows and starlings.
A simple tray of water placed on the ground will add to the interest-giving opportunities to see birds and other creatures drinking and bathing at a time when water is in short supply in the wider landscape.
Just as looking up when visiting a wetland nature reserve can bring the reward of sight of swifts, swallows and martins, a skyward glance whilst sat in the garden might deliver a view of house martins soaring overhead as they seek out insect prey. As late afternoon turns to evening, the martins will likely be replaced by bats, including many first year animals, taking over the welcome insect control duties.
For those without gardens or close access to a nature reserve, a trip to the local park will often bring similar rewards. Whilst the number of species might be lower, there should still be birds, insects and other wildlife to enjoy. In parks managed by more enlightened councils there may still be a late flush of wild flowers in specially created pollinator patches or areas left to grow wild.
For those planning a summer break at the coast, the range of wildlife experiences is further enhanced with opportunities to spend time rock-pooling in search of star-fish, crabs and sea anemones. Despite the worrying impact of avian flu there are still opportunities to enjoy sea bird colonies on coastal cliffs. Many stretches of our coastline offer real prospects to see seals basking on rocks and even larger mammals such as porpoise, whales and dolphins swimming surprisingly close to shore. If you are visiting an area where these cetaceans thrive, a cliff top can provide one of the best vantage points, but if you want to increase your chances of success you could take advantage of the growing number of special boat trips running to give opportunities for close encounters with our larger sea creatures.
Back at home there is plenty we can do to boost our chances of close encounters with smaller wildlife, whether in terms of creating a small pond, growing a mix of flowers to attract pollinators or installing wildlife homes such as bird nesting boxes, lacewing lodges and hedgehog houses. Whilst summer is well under way, there is plenty of time to make it a wild one — so what’s stopping you?
