Hairy-footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes. This species is one of the first solitary bees to emerge in spring (as early as February) and people often confuse them for small bumblebees, although their quick darting flight motion is a good way to tell them apart. Males and females look very different from each other. Although they are solitary bees (with no […]
Hart’s tongue, Phyllitis scolopendrium. These plants are unusual in being ferns with simple, undivided fronds. The leaf resembles the tongue of a hart, (hart is an old word for deer). It’s often featured on ancient-woodland-indicator plant lists as a species which can help identify old woodlands and ecological continuity. This fern was recommended as a medicinal plant in folk medicine as […]
Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum. One of the commonest wildflowers on Parkland Walk, coping admirably through dry spells and in dry, gravelly or stony ground. Herb robert is a food plant and nectar-source for many invertebrates including bees, hoverflies and the barred carpet moth. It was traditionally used as an antiseptic, as well as to treat stomach upsets and nosebleeds. Its […]
Holly blue, Celastrina argiolus. The Holly Blue has two broods per year, the first appears in April, well before other blue butterflies. It is much the commonest blue found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer), prefering honeydew to nectar. It is widespread, but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year.
Hoverfly, phaerophoria-Scripta. Hoverflies are true flies in that they have only one pair of wings compared to most other insects such as bees and wasps which have two pairs.Many hoverflies mimic wasps or bees with markings of black and yellow. Hoverflies do not bite or sting. Adult hoverflies are important pollinators.
Ivy, Hedera helix. Ivy is a genus of 12 – 15 species. On the ground they rarely gain more than 20cm in height but when climbing can reach 30 metres above the ground. Juvenile leaves have the familiar palm like shape but as the plant matures the leaves become more rounded. Dense ivy is excellent for insects and birds. The fruit […]
Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica. Native to Asia, Japanese knotweed is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. If you come across it on the walk, leave it well alone as it is easily spread. We are working hard to eradicate it and have reduced its presence by about 95%.
Jay, Garrulus glandarius. Although they are the most colourful members of the crow family, jays are actually quite difficult to see. They are shy woodland birds, rarely moving far from cover. The screaming call usually lets you know a jay is about and it is usually given when a bird is on the move, so watch for a bird flying between […]
Jersey Tiger Moth, Euplagia quadripunctaria The jersey tiger moth has black and cream strips on its forewing and red or orange underwings with black spots. When in flight the orange underwings are really noticeable but often these are covered by the black and cream forewings when it settles. Active by day, it’s generally spotted in the south of England. Sightings […]
Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus. Once a familiar sight, numbers of kestrels have declined and are now rarely seen. This is probably due to the loss of open grassland areas and woodland edge habitats as the woodlands have been allowed to develop unchecked. Hunting birds such as the kestrel hover over open ground to find their prey. Creating more open patches of ground would give more opportunities for […]
