Highwoods Preservation Society - August 15

Our own resident species are swelled by migrants from across the continent. Gatekeepers '“ Peacocks - Red Admirals '“ Commas '“ Small Tortoiseshells '“ Painted Ladies are common species, but also look out for two woodland specialities '“ the elegant and gentle flight of White Admirals one of the jewels of the Highwoods, look for them around honeysuckle, on which they lay their eggs.

Silver Washed Fritillaries can be found occasionally feeding on bramble; they are one of our largest butterflies with orange and brown markings. It is easy to overlook some of the smaller species like, Small Coppers with bright orange wings with dark spots and Skippers, which are ochre in colour. Underneath the electric wires is a good place to see butterflies.

Dragonflies will also be abundant. Broad Bodied Chasers have short thick bodies, blue for the male and ochre for the female. Emperors are one of our largest species, the male having a bright blue body and the female vivid green. Another species to be seen is the Brown Hawker, one of the easiest to recognise, as it is the only British dragonfly with brown wings.

Even now some birds are beginning their migration and other species which have nested in Northern climes will be flying South to feed themselves in preparation for the long haul to the southern hemisphere. It is possible for any species to stop around for a few days, so it is worth looking closely at any birds at this time of the year, because it may just be a rarity.

As the month nears its end signs of Autumn will become more and more evident, berries colouring up and fungi becoming more plentiful.

Don't forget our Summer walk '“ Saturday, August 16,at 10.30am, meet in the car park. Walk will last for about 1 hours.