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December 2020 December 2020

BERE REGIS WILDLIFE AND
ENVIRONMENT GROUP

We have been treated to some marvellous Autumn
colours this year, a real tonic for those of us able to
get out for our daily exercise. By the time you read this
the vast majority of tree leaves will have fallen.
Despite the winter months ahead of us, look closely
and you will see some hopeful signs of next year’s
Spring – one of the most obvious being the small developing catkins on hazel
trees.
Hopefully, by the time you read this we will be emerging from Lockdown Two into
a period of fewer restrictions in the run up to Christmas. The natural world has its
own version of lockdown; some ‘lucky’ birds (such as swallows, house martins and
swifts) have already flown to warmer climes; some birds (such as fieldfare,
waxwing, redwing, short eared owl and many wildfowl) come to the UK from the
Artic, north and east Europe to enjoy our relatively mild winters; a wide variety of
mammals and insects (such as bats, dormice, bumblebees and some butterflies)
hibernate; other mammals (such as hedgehogs) may become less active but will
emerge to forage for food and water; a wide range of insects over winter as
eggs or pupae to turn to their adult form as the weather warms. Isn’t it quite
incredible the varied ways that the natural world copes with the turn of the
seasons.
The birds and mammals that remain active through the winter need food and
water more than ever. If you have a garden please put out a bird feeder – it is
always a joy to spot the birds enjoying an easy meal. Water is just as important as
food to birds and mammals, especially during periods of frosts. So, please ensure
there is unfrozen water available in a bird bath
and at ground level. In the garden it will be
helpful if you don’t over tidy. Seed heads from
the summer’s flowers are a good food source
for birds. While you may wish to clear leaves
from the lawn, there is real benefit to wildlife
by leaving or piling up leaf litter in the flower
beds. It provides cover for insects which in turn
is another food source for birds and mammals
whilst suppressing weeds and, in time, the leaf
litter will rot down and enrich the soil. It’s a win
win for all!
The Season’s Greetings to all and here’s
looking forward to a more hopeful and joyful
New Year.

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