Page 44 - br-sep-2022

September 2022 September 2022

BERE REGIS WILDLIFE AND RECIPE OF THE MONTH
ENVIRONMENT GROUP Thanks to our WI members for sharing their favourites

At the time of writing we are still in the midst of a
blazing summer with little sight of rain. If that is still the Eve's Pudding
case at the time you read this, please ensure you put
out water for our wildlife. It’s not just the birds that This is so simple, basically fruit with a sponge topping. Traditionally made
need it, it is various mammals such as hedgehogs as with apples but you could use blackberries now they too can be found out
well as bees and other insects. So, please ensure there on your walks.
is some available to all.

As we now enter Autumn and the season of mellow fruitfulness, we can take Ingredients
pleasure in the rich colours of ripening fruit in the hedgerows. We may even be
able to enjoy picking and eating some blackberries! That’s if there any still left as  1lb apples or blackberries
two things seem to be happening as a result of the hot weather – some  2 tbsp water
blackberries are ripening earlier, others seem to be drying up. If you find some  granulated sugar
enjoy them, but do leave some for our wildlife.  4oz self raising flour
 4oz butter

Souls Moor and the Ponies  4oz castor sugar
 2 eggs lightly beaten
Be assured that the ponies are regularly checked by the owner and, despite the
hot weather and lower than usual water levels, the ponies still have plenty of
water available to drink ion the pond dug a few years back. Method
At Souls Moor and you’ll see a mix of areas of short grass that have been nibbled 1. Preheat over 180c gas 4
down by the ponies, areas that have been trampled by their hooves and areas
of longer vegetation. This mix of habitats is excellent - just what is needed to 2. Peel, core then slice the apples.
sustain a rich variety of wildlife. 3. Add apples to a pan with water and granulated sugar. Add sugar
according to the sweetness of the apples. Cook until softened but
This becomes very clear when watching birds within Souls Moor. Some birds,
particularly larger ones, will be ferreting around on the ground for bugs, grubs still keeping their shape.
and seeds while generally smaller birds will be flitting from stalk to stalk within 4. Transfer to pyrex or oven proof souffle dish to cool.
areas of longer vegetation feasting on the ripening seeds.
5. Make sponge topping by beating together butter and castor sugar

until creamy.
Butterflies
6. Slowly add the beaten egg a little at a time.
This summer appears to have been a good one for many butterflies. From casual
observation the Gatekeeper butterfly, see photo, also known as the Hedge 7. Fold in the sifted flour
Brown appears to be around in very strong numbers. Its name originates as it is 8. Spread the mixture over the apples and bake in the oven for 40- 45
often encountered where clumps of flowers grow in gateways and along minutes.
hedgerows and field edges.
9. If a skewer or knife comes out clean, it is cooked through.
It is often seen together and can easily be confused with the Meadow Brown
butterfly. The Gatekeeper is slightly smaller than and has more orange on its wings 10. Best eaten hot with lashings of custard but equally nice cold.

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