Pond Bank

 

Poplar and Elephant Hawk Moths have been found on the marginal Grey Willows. Hazel, Hawthorne and Field Maple are now mature trees providing good cover for songbirds. Primroses and Cowslips give a welcome in the spring and on the south side Ox-eye Daisy, Wild Geranium, Toadflax, Ladies Smock, Vetches and Fleabane have seeded from the adjacent meadow. These all provide breeding and feeding areas for many insects and pollen for Bees and Butterflies, such as Orange Tip, Clouded Yellow and Common Blue to name but a few. The Buddleias attract Red Admiral, Peacock and Painted Lady. Hummingbird Hawk Moths have also been seen in recent years but not yet caught on camera.

Wildlife gallery

Birds

 

We have planted trees every year and increasing cover from these probably influences the changes in habitat more than anything else. Flocks of Finches and Warblers come through on migration in spring and return in autumn, some Chaffinch and Greenfinch stay with us if the food supply is good. Swallows come back in early May and have been successfully raising two or three broods each year. Magpies, Crows and Woodpigeons are always with us. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers add colour to the nut feeders, while the green Woodpeckers dig for ants on the lawn. Robins and Hedge Sparrows glean seeds that drop, as does a resplendent Cock Pheasant.