Our ‘Living’ Churchyard in August
by Nigel Symington

What a difference a bit of sunshine makes!  I asked last month where all the insects had gone, but now I think the variety of species in the meadow is the greatest we have had since the project started.  I counted thirteen different flowers in bloom: some are quite low-growing and you need to look carefully to see all of them.  Butterflies and micro moths abound.  Our old friend the Small Copper appears still to be breeding there, and I have seen several species flying past that I’ve not recorded before.  Most spectacular perhaps is the Marbled White, a large, strong-flying species with beautiful black and white colouring, and which seem to be enjoying a good year this summer.  But the ground is also alive with colourful beetles.  The bright reds of Ladybirds and Common Red Soldier Beetles contrast with the iridescent green of Swollen-thighed Beetles (the male is instantly recognisable by the shape of its legs): all of these and more can be found drinking nectar from the white flowers of yarrow that is blooming well now.

There is still time, if you’ve not already done so, to take part in the Big Butterfly Count which runs until Sunday 6th August.  Download a butterfly ID chart from:

https://bigbutterflycount.butterflyconservation.org/assets/charts/butterfly-id-sheet-england.pdf  or a free app for iOS and Android to identify and record the butterflies you spot.  Choose a place to spot butterflies and moths. Watch for 15 minutes. Then record which species you see.  Add your counts on the website or via the app. 

Data from the count is particularly important this year, to enable scientists to understand how butterflies and moths have been affected by the dry weather last year.

August is also the month when most flowers have set seed, and it is time to cut the grass and rake off the hay so as to lower the fertility of the soil.  I am always grateful to the team of willing and hard working volunteers who have helped with this task in past years.  We spend one or two mornings cutting and clearing.  If you’d like to join us you will be most welcome.  Please do contact me at the address below.  Once I have a list of all those taking part, I will coordinate a date for the work to be done, probably in the third or fourth week of August.

Nevertheless, whether or not you do the Count or join our work party, do take time to wander through the meadow and enjoy all the beauty that is on show there for all to see.