Recent wildlife observation highlights – end July 2025

For some time our moth enthusiasts have wondered whether our elms supported the Nationally Scarce White-spotted Pinion (Cosmia diffinis). We have now confirmed this. Two other Nationally Scarce species – Marbled Clover (Heliothis viriplaca) and Water-plantain Straw (Gynnidormorpha alismana) – complete a trio of notable records.

Unfortunately, a period of mixed weather occurred almost immediately following the start of the Big Butterfly Count. Nevertheless, in two sessions on sunny days we recorded 15 species at Long Meadow. Our counts in unfavourable weather at Croft Close have been less productive – so far.

The stands of Ragwort at Croft Close Nature Reserve supported good numbers of other insects. Hoverflies included Migrant Aphideater (Eupeodes corollae) and Yellow-winged blacklet (Cheilosia impressa) with Large- headed Resin Bee (Heriades truncorum) notable among the bees.

Several exotically coloured, but well camouflaged, Wasp Spiders (Argiope bruennichi)made an appearance sitting patiently in their webs strung in long grass. First recorded in Britain 100 years ago they are now rapidly spreading north.

A small stand of Chicory (Cichorium intybus) brought a bright blue to Long Meadow before the hay cut while a small yellow Slender trefoil (Trifolium micranthum) was a noteworthy addition to our Croft Close flora list.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were more evident during the hot weather; this weather may have been terminal for an Eurasian pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus) found at Long Meadow.

A recently fledged Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) watched its parent hunt over Long Meadow whilst at Croft Close families of Chiffchaff and Whitethroat were evident. The month ended with an irate Buzzard (Buteo buteo) seeing off a larger Raven (Corvus corax) that had intruded on its patch!