Nature Notes

Dippers have been dipping and pied wagtails wagging their tails as they go from stone to stone in the river, with wild garlic and bluebells lighting up the woodland; the last two months have seen a burgeoning of plant life and increased activity amongst many birds with a continuation of the variable and unpredictable weather. The first swallows were spotted in the latter part of April and the swifts swiftly followed screeching as they performed their aerial acrobatics. Several swallows are nesting in the Wrayton bus shelter.

Roadside verges through the village have been ablaze with a glory of sunny dandelions to cheer us, even when the real sun has been in hiding.  Along the hedgerows, increasing numbers of flowers have been joining the throng – greater stitchwort with its delicate white flowers, red campion, dainty blue speedwell and pink bottlebrushes of bistort  have contributed to the multicoloured display, whilst above, the hawthorn blossom and guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) have added more accents of pure white.  Cow parsley has been particularly profuse along Back Lane from its junction with Spout Lane, although is much reduced where it used to be plentiful along Spout Lane, where the hedges have been allowed to grow tall – presumably it needs more sun to thrive.

Fern croziers have unfurled and twining stems of honeysuckle and black briony can be seen emerging from the top of the hedges, whilst sticky cleavers scrambles up the front.  Nettles and meadowsweet foliage are almost ubiquitous and have enjoyed the damp conditions.  In the meadows that have been allowed to grow, meadow buttercups have produced a gentle scatter of yellow, interrupted by the red spikes of just emerging sorrel.

Skies have varied from clear blue with a few cotton wool white fluffy clouds to ominous black cumulonimbus accompanied by thunder and lightning, but we also had the excitement of seeing the Northern Lights clearly from Wennington for a short period – for many of us a ‘first time’ experience of witnessing this amazing spectacle.

The oak was definitely in leaf before the ash (so by rights we should only have expected a ‘splash’ of rain!), with the latter being particularly late this year and many of the trees are clearly depleted in foliage and struggling even more than last year, with just one or two still looking relatively healthy.

Warm spells, colder periods, rain with standing water on roads and in fields, sunshine and showers, some lovely sunny periods when the warmth of the sun really did feel like spring; we have again experienced a whole range of weather during March. 

Vegetation is growing apace – the primroses are opening more flowers and are accompanied by the green of dog’s mercury, arrow shaped Arum maculatum leaves (lords and ladies or cuckoo pint) and a few flowers on the barren strawberry plants, whilst the cleavers/goosegrass is ready to start climbing into the hedges.  The first hawthorn leaves are emerging lime green and blackthorn is beginning to blossom.  Snowdrops have peaked and faded, leaving ever-increasing clumps of foliage ready to be divided to produce even more for next year and the daffodils and tulips in the village have been in full flower, with forget-me-nots still in bud.

Some dandelions have already flowered and gone to seed, whilst daisies are appearing in short grass and lesser celandine and wood anemones are present along the verges, hedgerows and ditches.  The first deep blue violet was spotted on Spout Lane on the 28th of the month and the village greens have an abundance of the delicate pink Cardamine pratensis (lady’s smock/cuckoo flower) in bud….. whether they will have a chance to flower and set seed before the first mow is unclear. 

Brilliant red has been spotted at the bottom of Old Moor Road on the damp banking, signalling the presence of the spring-time scarlet elf cap fungus.  As is typical, it is growing on decaying wood amongst moss and woodland debris, a marked colour contrast to surrounding vegetation and the spring flowers.

Night-time has become increasingly busy with wildlife this month, orange-skinned warty toads frequently seen on the road up Spout Lane and a female great crested newt also on the road just beyond the Dutch barns.  Oyster catchers can be heard most nights with their piping call as they fly over, their striking black and white plumage with orange beaks and legs invisible as they pass in the dark.  Red-legged (French) partridges may be seen roosting under hedges at night and running/flying from the lanes during the day. Tawny owls and barn owls continue to call after dark – the female tu-whit and male tu-whoo from the former and more of a hissing and screeching from the latter.  The barn owl has been seen regularly on Spout Lane, before dark in the late afternoon, flying low and silently, as well as on occasions in the morning.  Leading to some excitement in the village, otters have been seen and filmed, swimming and playing in and alongside the river.

Herons and little egrets continue to frequent the area and curlews can be heard calling on a regular basis, whilst the smaller birds are becoming more and more vociferous as they let us know that, as far as they are concerned, spring has arrived.

The full range of weather conditions continued into the first months of the New Year – plenty of rain and wind, some periods of freezing and some unseasonably warm spells with temperatures rising into double figures.  Snowdrops began emerging early in January with flowers soon following – these can be seen throughout the parish, including displays in the Waste, up Spout Lane, along the footpath by the B6480 towards Wray and in the churchyard at St James the Less, as well as the usual wonderful display a little further afield on Back Lane, entering Wrayton.  The first primrose flower on the primrose bank up Spout Lane was seen on 6th February and soon afterwards early tulips began to show red and yellow in the village planter with purple crocuses on the green accompanying the emerging spears of daffodil leaves. Hazel catkins have been hanging from hedgerows and woodland areas, turning from brown/green to yellow as the pollen matures.

The honking of overhead geese has become increasingly prominent and curlews have started calling both up Old Moor Road and Spout/Back Lanes during early February.  Buzzards, sparrowhawk and kestrel are all regular visitors on Spout Lane and barn owls have been seen on Spout Lane and up Old Moor Road (where a pair has been spotted).  Slightly further afield, near Wray, another barn owl has been seen from the road. Herons and little egrets are daily sightings and blackbirds and robins seem to be ubiquitous along the lanes.  Clusters of pigeons have been clinging precariously onto ivy at the top of walls and trees, feeding in an apparent frenzy on the mature black berries of this valuable wildlife resource, which offers food to insects and birds with its winter flowers and berries.

Frogs and toads have been nocturnal travellers, crossing the lanes and occasionally being run over as they travel to their usual breeding grounds, some already coupled as they make their way.  Moles are active with large mounds arising in many places and there appear to be increasing numbers of rabbits this year.

As usual, spectacular sunrises and sunsets have been seen in and around Wennington, the former towards our local peak of Ingleborough and the latter over Morecambe Bay, prominent features of the landscape in this beautiful place we live in.

We had further occasional cold snaps with thick frost on occasions and frozen puddles and birdbaths for a few days at a time, whilst bare branches demonstrated the underlying structure of shrubs, hedges and trees.  More noticeable, however, has been the wet and wind, with fields, tracks and gardens muddy, soggy and uninviting.  Horizontal rain when the wet and wind have coincided has not been too unusual, when keeping dry outside is virtually impossible.

From the first days of December, the little egrets have been in regular attendance, seen most days along Spout Lane, close to the stream, sometimes two at a time.  Soaring in on broad wings and landing to then raise a head vertically to the sky, the herons are also daily visitors, the wet weather and soft ground presumably offering an easy source of food.  Owls continue to make their presence known, mostly through being heard rather than seen and small garden birds are flocking to feeders in gardens, where the sparrowhawk is sometimes in attendance.

The verges are looking a bit sorry with dying back vegetation, and sadly, oversized vehicles on Spout Lane have gouged out large areas of the banking where we normally see the wonderful display of primroses in the spring….as well as depositing large quantities of mud onto the lane.  Some of the stone walls, however, have stunning arrays of small evergreen ferns and others are covered in glossy ivy foliage and berries.

Autumn truly arrived with October – the first frosty mornings turning the fields into glistening white expanses, sparkling in the early sun; the foliage on trees and shrubs turning yellow, russet and brown and the fruiting bodies of wonderful fungi of various colours and shapes erupting from the earth.  The scent of autumn with its earthy tones and damp air filled our lungs whilst fingertips noted the coldness on the frosty days.  There were, of course, many wet and rainy days too with heavy showers and drizzle both in attendance.

Final late cuts were taken from some fields, whilst others were ploughed revealing the deep red-brown fertile soil, and the livestock have had no shortage of lush grass to enjoy.  The first egret has been spotted and herons are regularly visiting streams and damp pasture.

An evening stroll is interrupted by frequent calls from tawny owls, mostly the males with their haunting tu-whoooo. The strange hissing of the barn owl is regularly heard and it can occasionally be seen swooping over the lane silently, and only noted by torchlight.

Various hot air balloons have been flying over on the days when there has been neither too much wind or rain, but there have been some very windy conditions encouraging the leaves to fall, which are beginning to accumulate in greater quantities – crisp and dry, crunching under foot as they blow about, then turning wet and settling down to provide food and shelter to worms, slugs and other small creatures.

The much hoped for Indian summer arrived along with September – though only lasted a few days- bringing sun and warmth to cheer us. Further beautiful sunrises and sunsets continued to feature throughout the month, with some misty mornings and evenings, occasional clear skies and great cloud formations.

Summer flowers persist in small numbers in the hedgerows, the last pale yellow honeysuckle gleaming softly, whilst scrambling purple vetch reaches high into the tall hedges on Spout Lane. The invasive Himalayan balsam continues blooming along the steep riverside banking, giving warning of the explosive seedheads to follow, which will ensure a rapid increase in its presence in future years. Ivy flowers in profusion can be seen everywhere the plant has reached maturity by ascending to the top of its support, whether that be the canopy of a tree or simply the top of a small wall. The ball clusters of small flowers are abuzz with the sound of insects – a mix of bees, wasps and large black flies, all making the most of the late availability of sweet nectar.

Bright red is the colour of note, with berries, hips and haws shining out to catch attention – dog rose, black bryony, hawthorn, mountain ash all in profusion on a background of dark black sloes. Now is the time to harvest for making rose hip syrup and sloe gin – though the latter are ideally collected after the first frosts.

Brown hares are seen regularly along the lanes and in the fields and jays are particularly noticeable by their raucous harsh cries, though rarely seen. Pheasants have matured, the males now looking spectacular in all their finery and larger groups of red-legged partridge have also been spotted.

The first fading of foliage has become evident with the introduction of a few notes of yellow and tawny becoming evident in the tree foliage, further evidence that autumn is approaching.

August brought some spectacular sunsets, a fabulous ‘Supermoon’ and great sunrises too.  The weather did continue to disappoint, however.  Though not as wet and miserable as July, regular rain was ongoing, along with some quite chilly days, though whenever the sun came through, it packed a punch with the heat it instantly gave.  The hot air balloon had a few trips whenever the weather allowed, having been conspicuous by its absence this summer.  Grass continued to grow well and berries to develop in the hedgerows, whilst some of the wild flowers were going to seed.

Honeysuckle flowers continued to scent the air on warmer evenings, accompanied by bright red berries and Himalayan balsam in all its shades of pink shone out in areas unable to be accessed to allow its removal – such as the steep river bank at the bottom of Spout Lane.  Blackberries continued to ripen, but also many berries were decomposing on the brambles with a fungal halo in recognition of the dampness.

The lambs that had earlier been separated from the ewes, spread themselves over the fields, no longer able to keep close to their mothers, but not choosing to develop closeness with each other.

Swallows could be seen gathering along telephone wires ready for their departure, some probably already part way along their journey from further north and the tawny owls have been increasingly vocal in the evenings and overnight, mainly the males calling with their haunting ‘to-whooo’.

In gardens, red admirals finally arrived to gather nectar from the Buddleia whilst the garden birds, main culprits the blackbirds, have been stripping the Sorbus (mountain ash) of its berries and gorging on firethorn – always starting with red berries before moving on to orange or yellow varieties.

We now wait to see if we will have a hoped-for Indian summer in September……. 

Well, the rain that came in the last week of June didn’t stop, resulting in the wettest July since records began.  What was first seen as a welcome respite soon became a dampener of both body and spirit, with the low temperatures (going down into the low teens) being a further dismal feature of the month.  The most had to be made of the few brief sunny spells, with difficulties for the farmers in finding any period dry enough to harvest or to gather the grass.

At the end of the first week, during one of the dry, sunny episodes, the combine harvester was out gathering the barley grain into a trailer to be taken away up Spout Lane, but the straw that was left lying in the field suffered several drenchings.  Grass greened up and began growing as though it were spring and the meadowsweet along the lanes and tracks was joined by both great hairy willowherb with deep pink flowers and rosebay willowherb with its tall slender spires of pink flowers.  In addition, hogweed and other umbellifers bloomed and meadow cranesbill continued to delight with its blue saucer-like flowers.

The beautiful and graceful aspen up Back Lane have been vocal in even the slightest breeze, whispering and murmering continuously, louder and more stridently when the wind has been stronger, the leaves twisting and turning in accompaniment.

Down by the river, water levels began to rise again and tall delicate stems of campanula arose along the water’s edge with large white bells hanging to one side.  Himalayan balsam, with its undeniably pretty flowers in pastel shades, but a vigorous invasive alien, which outcompetes the native plants, has been rearing its head along the river, both in the woodland and bordering the greens – it can easily be pulled up gently, bringing the roots with it and left to dry on the surface (before it goes to seed – which is spread by explosive action!)

Birds have continued to sing and call despite the weather, notably in the early evening, when multiple chiffchaffs can be heard ‘contact calling’ from the tops of the tall hedges.  Below them, the rosehips on the dog roses are fat and rounded, bigger than in most years – possibly swollen by the regular watering the plants have received.  Sloes are turning purple in the higher reaches of the blackthorn whilst the hawthorn berries are still greenish in colour.  In gardens, birdfeeders are thronged with young bluetits and great tits, darting out from shelter in shrubs and trees between showers.  It has been a hard month for butterflies, with even the Buddleia bereft of its usual fluttery visitors, though wasps have been in abundance with nests underground in quieter areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed…. though some of us will have inadvertently disturbed them in areas of long grass in our gardens, resulting in several stings.

Summer arrived with June, which brought temperatures in the high 20’s, warm nights and scorching sun….. close mown grass turned brown, garden plants wilted and lanes were empty of walkers and dogs as everyone stayed in the shade.  Nature, however, continued to do her thing and a multitude of flowers appeared along the lanes and in the hedgerows.  The deepening of the pink of the May blossom continued and, as this eventually faded, delicate white and pink cascading blooms of native dog rose took over, accompanied by large heads of pungent white elderflowers ready for making elderflower cordial.  Along Spout Lane in the ‘new’ hedgerow, planted at the time of the gas pipe replacement, brighter and bigger blooms of Rosa rugosa shine out. 

Whilst the frothy cow parsley turned to seedheads, fluffy panicles of creamy meadowsweet began to open, especially in the damper areas and by ditches – notably along the track to Melling.  Patches of blue vetch scramble up the hedges and heart shaped glossy leaves of black bryony are marching their way to the top of the hedges.  Interspersed are the sweet scented blooms of honeysuckle, most noticeable in the early evening when the scent is carried on the warm air.  Trailing stems of prickly brambles are spangled with white flowers, attracting the attention of bees and other insects.

Curlews and oystercatchers have continued to vocalise as they fly in the local  area and herons regularly appear along the waterways.  A barn owl has returned to the Spout Lane area and has been seen several times around 9pm flying low over the unmown meadow.  Stoats have been spotted along Back Lane, darting along the lane edge and into the verges. Smaller birds, most notably the blackbirds and thrushes, continue to sing out, especially in the early evenings, at the top of shrubs and tall hedges, undeterred by the high temperatures.

The farmers have been busy cutting and collecting grass, whilst the barley is starting to turn from green to gold, the delicate bearded seedheads swaying in any slight breeze.  The sweet scent of the hedgerow flowers is frequently accompanied by the familiar smell of ‘muck-spreading’!

Water levels fell during the prolonged dry spell, with plenty of shingle and pebble areas exposed along the Wenning.  The earlier flowering and damp loving wild garlic has died back, leaving barren areas in the woodland by the river, where just a few weeks ago all was lush and green. 

The last week in June has brought welcome rain, but typically in torrential downpours and without any sign of stopping!  The parched ground, and both flora and fauna in the area, will no doubt feel the benefit, whilst we will be grateful for some rain, but hope for some more sun soon.

May arrived and brought with it warmer and sunnier weather, hot days of full sun and clear skies becoming the norm, though throughout there was a slight chill still detectable from the breeze coming in from the east.  Some misty mornings persisted into the middle of the month.

In the first week of the month, shrill screams from above alerted us to the arrival of swooping swifts with their curved back wing profile and unmistakeable sound.

Birds have become increasingly vocal, both morning and evening, whilst many nestboxes have become occupied and birdfeeders are emptied daily.  Each evening, blackbirds and other small birds can be heard and (sometimes) seen up in the highest branches of the hedges and trees, singing at incredible volume for such small creatures.

The cow parsley reached its frothy lacy climax, spilling over the lanes; whilst in the damp and wooded areas the wild garlic flowered in profusion.  At the same time we had fern fronds unfolding and opening out into wide bright green shuttlecocks.  Along the hedges, hedge mustard has stretched up and flowers top the tall stems, but bright blue bluebells grab the attention. 

Meadows have been noticeable with dandelions being replaced by a golden shower of meadow buttercups whilst shorter grass is bejewelled with daisies.  The barley has been developing and growing and the fruit trees came into full blossom.  The trees at the picnic area were various shades of pink, from just off white to brightest deep shades and up Old Moor Road, past the brilliant yellow splash of colour from the gorse in full flower, the apple blossom was the prettiest pastel pink.

Later in the month, presumably as a result of the hot, sunny and dry weather, the hawthorn blossom (May blossom) began changing colour from pure white to pale pink, gradually becoming more pigmented, a phenomenon noted in previous hot springs.

As well as the peach/apricot coloured Geum rivale (water avens) seen along Spout Lane, in one particular place each year is a yellow flowered version with similar nodding heads.

Although the nesting ducks noted in April have moved on, ducklings have been spotted on the River Wenning in the village, a reflection of the positive life force of spring-time which we can observe in the nature surrounding us in this beautiful place we call home .

We have had another roller coaster of a ride with the weather in April – some heavy downpours (and some rainbows), frost, wind and also the first warm sunshine of the year.  The village centre has been looking great, firstly with the daffodils flowering on all the greens, joined by the tulips in the planters and, towards the end of the month, blossom on the fruit trees near the picnic table, accompanied around the bridge and along the stone walls by masses of cheerful blue forget-me-nots in flower.

Early in the month, small clusters of light purple violets were appearing to accompany the many primroses on the banking along Spout Lane, with a few tiny white flowers of the barren strawberry (Potentilla sterilis) in the same area.  Bluebells have been blooming in increasing numbers along hedgerows and in the wooded areas, the first one again spotted at Hag Wood, whilst wild garlic has completely covered the ground in the woodland by the river – ready for foraging to make all sorts of tasty treats.

Small birds can be seen carrying moss and feathers to line their nests and ducks have nested and laid eggs in gardens along Spout Lane – a mandarin duck in a nest box raised in a tree (one of the few ducks not to nest on the ground) and a mallard in a ground nest.  Hopefully we will soon be seeing ducklings!  Curlews are calling on a daily basis and a few peewits (lapwings) are also around with their distinctive cry.  Towards the end of the month, both swallows (with their chittering chatter as they swoop along and their forked tails helping identify them) and house martins have arrived in the village.

White wood anemones can be seen in abundance and there is a patch of the less common pink tinted version to be seen on Spout Lane near the track.  In the second half of the month, these have been joined by the smaller and daintier white flowers of greater stitchwort held at a higher level on slender stems.  Native geum (Geum rivale) are also appearing with their nodding peach and dusky purple flower heads.  Fine filigree foliage of cow parsley is accompanied by the first of the flower spikes thrusting up through the undergrowth and also growing is the coarser divided foliage of meadowsweet along ditches and damp hedgerows, which will flower later.

The first of the young cattle have been put out in the fields to join the sheep and lambs and are enjoying their first opportunity to stretch their legs and have a run around.  Hares are regularly running in the fields and along the lanes and a few more baby rabbits are appearing.  Herons are still regular visitors, but the little egrets appear to have deserted us for the time being.

March has been a month of many weathers!  Not treating us with any real warm spells, we have experienced plenty of wet and rainy days with some cold snaps and a period of snow early in the month enveloping Wennington in a white blanket.  Whilst garden shrubs and tender plants have suffered, nature continues to do its thing and the usual heralds of spring are showing themselves.

Walking along the lanes and tracks, whilst the snowdrops have finished flowering, there is plenty more to take their place.  We have a particularly good show of delicate pale yellow primroses this year, with the steep banks on the eastern side of Spout Lane near the track to Melling Common displaying a multitude of flowers.  Gorse is flowering more profusely than earlier in the year, with deep golden-yellow pea-like blooms and nearby pussy willow also shines out with yellow pollen dusting their plump catkins.

Bright yellow lesser celandine flowers spangle the grass and the first similar coloured dandelions are also shining out from the green backdrop where vegetation is bursting through, notably dog’s mercury with its tiny inconspicuous white/green flowers just appearing, new growth of nettles and ‘lords and ladies’ with deep green, large, arrow shaped leaves.  In the woodland areas of Melling Common and by the River Wenning, the floor is carpeted with the bright green lush growth of wild garlic, scenting the air with its unmistakable aroma. 

Whilst the first leaf buds are getting ready to burst on some mature trees, many of the hedgerows are blooming with the lacy white blossom of blackthorn, the mass of tiny white flowers producing a spectacular effect.

Throughout the month, the sound of birdsong has been increasing, particularly in the mornings, with the start of the day being heralded earlier and earlier.  The first mournful cries of the curlew were heard fairly late in the month this year and for a short period, a large flock of gulls spent time in a low lying field on Spout Lane, performing a well-choreographed white ballet to entertain the passer-by.

At the end of the month, of course, the clocks ‘sprang forward’ to introduce later evenings and encourage us to feel that the new season is really upon us.

Mixed weather heralded February, with freezing conditions interspersed with milder days and some windy spells.  As the month progressed, the lengthening of the days became more apparent, sunrise taking place around 7am and it still being light at 5.30pm. 

On a late afternoon stroll, just before the fading of the daylight, in mid-February, a sense of spring being on its way was apparent – after enjoying the sight of the many snowdrops spangling the grassy verges along Spout Lane and in the Melling Common woodland, accompanied by the multitude of long tassels of hazel catkins and sunshine yellow gorse flowers, birdsong was all around.  Great tits and thrushes were calling from the top of trees, sparrows were fluttering and flitting from hedgerow to hedgerow chattering excitedly, whilst numerous blackbirds were uttering calls of alarm.

On another occasion, a gentle sound in the hedgerow drew attention and the bright red-pink breasts and cheeks identified the source as three beautiful male bullfinches.

In the garden, nestboxes are being explored, with various tapping or louder knocking noises (depending on whether it is the small bluetits or larger jackdaws involved) indicating occupants, whilst birdfeeders are busier than ever – a fact not unnoticed by the sparrowhawk, who has been on watch and darting into bushes chasing the smaller birds.

The first lambs appeared at the very end of January and their numbers have increased exponentially during February, gaining in both weight and confidence with the passage of a few weeks.

January brought some prolonged freezing spells and snowfall, turning the local landscape white and bright, but with hardship to wildlife and livestock, as well as the risk of slipping on icy ground to those venturing out.

Garden birdfeeders have continued to provide much needed additional food for the usual attendees, with flocks of long-tailed tits joining the throng. Fresh water has again been needed by the birds on a regular basis as most sources have been frozen during the colder periods.

The snowfall allowed evidence to be seen of wildlife, with many rabbit tracks visible and although there has been little evidence of any new plant life, the first snowdrops have continued to boldly push through the frozen ground.

Bare trees and distant hills silhouetted against pink and orange sunsets and sunrises have continued to encourage villagers to share photos, the early risers having the benefit of a beautiful start to the day on many occasions.

With December came the real cold weather, with snow and freezing conditions turning Wennington into a winter wonderland. The harsh conditions meant that garden birds were abundant on the bird feeders, including nuthatches, and welcomed the opportunity of a drink of water provided each day when all the natural sources were frozen solid. Even the rivers within the parish were partly frozen over. Conditions were so difficult for our feathered friends that up to 3, normally territorial, robins visited garden feeders together.

Despite hazardous driving conditions and the risk of falling on the ice along footpaths and lanes, the countryside around the village was quite breathtakingly beautiful under its white blanket, sparkling in cold sunshine and taking on various pink and tangerine hues at each end of the day with further spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Herons and egrets have increased the frequency of their visits, being seen several times most days on Spout Lane. A tawny owl was spotted in the dark sitting in the middle of the lane at the bottom of Spout Lane one evening, gazing into the headlights for some time before deciding to fly away. Whilst the berries, sloes and haws persisted into December, many vanished during the cold spell including lots of the holly berries in hedgerows, presumably as other food sources became unavailable in the freezing weather.

Many villagers braved the cold and met each other whilst walking in the locality, wrapped up against the cold and wearing stout footwear. The hardy folk of Wennington are not going to let a little snow and ice deter them from their daily constitutional!

As the month progressed, temperatures rose again, the thaw accompanied by burst water pipes and minor floods in several homes. The village rallied in giving support to those affected. Water pressures dropped for some time as the utilities company worked on more significant burst pipes in the main supplies, but problems were resolved after a few days.

As the snow and ice melted, the green landscape resurfaced and the first harbingers of spring were evident in gardens with snowdrops and hellebores pushing through the soil, a reminder that another growing season is on the way.

The nights are long, the days are short and temperatures at last are dropping, with several early morning frosts this month.  Tawny owls can be heard regularly both after sunset and sometimes during the day, mainly the male owl with his quavering ‘tu-whoo-oo’ response.  Various finches and tits, along with sparrows, robins, dunnocks, collared doves and blackbirds continue to throng the feeders, with greater spotted woodpeckers paying frequent visits.  Geese have been flying overhead in vast V-formations, honking loudly, the noise attracting our gaze upwards.

The hedgerows are still festooned with fruits – trailing red garlands of black bryony berries and the dark, almost black sloes are still ubiquitous along the lanes – clearly not the favoured choice of the birds.  The autumn leaves have mostly fallen, but ‘weeds’ are still growing strongly, more as we would expect in spring time, after the unseasonably mild autumn weather.

We have again had some beautiful sunrises with deep pink and amber tones, days with blue skies and sunshine and some dark black clouds on other days towards the east and north, made even more sombre by the contrasting sun lingering in the west and at times brightened by a rainbow, or even double rainbow.  There have also been a few misty starts to the day, usually clearing quite quickly. 

The star of the autumn show in this unseasonably warm October must be the golden shimmer of the poplars on Back Lane.  This gilded glitter ball looks slightly out of focus, the continual motion of the reflected sunlight shivering and shaking as the aspen leaves quiver in the slightest air movement, spinning and twirling, but rarely losing their grip to fall to the ground.  Approaching closer, the sound of whispering and murmuring increases, drowning out the fainter rustlings of the nearby oaks.

Leaves carpet the ground along the edges of the lanes, yellows, browns and all the earth colours of sienna, umber and ochre from oak, ash, sycamore, beech and the various hedgerow shrubs, including the roses.  A similar range of colours are seen in the fungi which emerge from the damp grass, the sparse fruiting bodies belying the vast expanse of underground hyphae.

Whilst naked branches are emerging, some of the trees, such as the oaks, are still hanging on to most of their foliage, although no longer green.  These have persisted despite some strong winds which have, however, resulted in large branches falling, especially along the track between Spout Lane and Back Lane.

The barley fields which were ploughed and sown last month are showing fresh green growth in clear rows against the bare earth, in contrast to the fading colours around. 

On a whole, October has been exceptional in the warm temperatures experienced.  There have been lovely warm sunny days, interspersed with heavy showers and some overnight torrential downpours and occasional strong winds.  The birds have been vocal on the sunny days, calling loudly from the hedges and trees and various finches and tits in particular are visiting the garden bird feeders regularly.  Little egrets are again visiting the area and grey herons are regularly seen.

Flowers can still be seen blooming, though not in profusion.  Dandelions pop up here and there, progressing to their seedhead clocks and occasional red campions can be seen hiding amongst the grass and undergrowth. 

A brief entry this month due to being out of the country for most of it, but if anyone has any interesting observations or photos please send to nature@wennington.life for inclusion.

Temperatures have varied this month, with some lovely warm days with sunshine and at least one frosty morning which caught the more tender crops in the vegetable plot; bean and courgette plants showing clear evidence of damage.

The last of our summer visitors, the martins, swallows and swifts have departed for warmer climes, whilst garden feeders are thronged by our usual winter residents, the various tits and finches, along with wrens, robins, blackbirds, nuthatches, collared doves and jackdaws feasting on our offerings.

Rustlings in the hedgerows betrays the presence of birds and small mammals making the most of the autumn harvest of berries and seeds. Red is the colour that catches the eye, from the bright red rose hips, particularly reaching up into the higher hedges; the garlands of black bryony berries festooning the lower reaches as they take on their scarlet maturity, whilst the deep red hawthorn (quickthorn) berries are widespread.

Barley stubble has been ploughed leaving bare brown earth in readiness for next year’s crop and hedge trimming has accelerated through September, necessitating care to be taken by cyclists and dog walkers to avoid punctured tyres and paws. Some of the previously flail mowed verges (last month) are showing vigorous regrowth of nettles and a few spring-like pale green fronds of newly unfurled ferns.

Leaves are beginning to fall, noticeable after the windy days, and early signs of autumn colour are becoming apparent, with patches of yellowing leaves amongst the still predominant green on the large oak trees and some reddening of rose, dogwood and cherry leaves. Stands of rosebay willow herb with tall plumes of pale fluffy seedheads also display autumnal foliage with pink, orange and yellow hues. Ivy, which provides vital habitat for many insects and birds, especially when little else is available, is developing berries where it has reached maturity at the top of walls and trees.

Warmth, sunshine and showers have ensured that despite drought conditions leaving much of the country in a desiccated state with a desert-like appearance, here in Wennington and the surrounding areas, we have enjoyed lush green grass and a fruitful August. 

Along the lanes, the rosehips are bright and red, whilst the sloes have taken on their ripe deep purple hue – though shouldn’t be harvested till after the first frost to make sloe gin.  Honeysuckle still has a few pale scented blooms, but much has progressed to small, scarlet red berries in terminal clusters, shining out from the hedgerow.  Similarly, viburnum opulus (the Guelder rose) is startling in the intensity of its almost translucent red berries, similar to redcurrants.  It’s a good year for blackberries, with a number of local residents having been out ‘blackberrying’ getting ready for the blackberry and apple crumble season!  The crimson thorn-ridden stems of this year’s new bramble shoots reach out for the unsuspecting passer-by.

Many of the later hedgerow flowers were taken out by the flail mowing of the verges along the lanes, which is not a usual procedure around here, but thankfully, there is still plenty to see and enjoy.  Seedheads have overtaken blooms with the flat heads of umbellifers offering their papery seed cases to the wind and thistles (which seem more prevalent than grass in a few of the local fields) sending thistledown floating everywhere, blowing across in vast colonies. 

Early in the month, swallows were gathering in noisy, chattering groups, perching on telephone wires and frequently flying around before settling again.  The first of the little egrets was seen along Spout Lane, paying a fleeting visit before returning again for the winter months.  Brown hares are regularly spotted in the fields or running along the lanes, their long legged gait and dark tipped ears marking them out from the small, white tailed rabbits.

We have had some spectacular sunsets this month and, as always, wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, hills and bay and some great skies with varying cloud formations against a clear blue backdrop.

As we moved into July, a coolness still persisted early in the month, with occasional hot days, until we hit the ‘heatwave’ in the third week.  As temperatures began to rise, hay was cut and left to dry, scenting the air with its unmistakable sweet aroma. 

Whilst the monoculture ryegrass looks lush and green and has already been cut and harvested for silage/haylage in the previous two months, it offers little in the way of biodiversity.  In contrast, the hay meadows support many insects, birds and bats in particular with their mix of wildflowers, notably meadow buttercups and red and white clover.  Whilst the protein content and some of the other nutrients may be lower in the harvested traditional flowering hay, many farmers feel their animals are healthier, possibly as a result of the innate medicinal qualities of the various herbs.

The barley in the large field bordered by both Spout Lane and the track to Melling turned to gold early in the month, leading to its harvesting and later baling and collection of the barley straw…. leaving a golden trail up the lane.

Later, a flock of geese were enjoying feasting on any grain left behind.

Walking along the track towards Melling Common on a relatively hot early July day was a voyage of discovery.  Great swathes of meadowsweet line both sides of the track with the first of the later umbels flowering (the large hogweed, with delicate flowers, but rather thick and coarse stems and leaves). Companions include brambles clothed in white and pale pink blossom and pale yellow honeysuckle twining along the hedges – the sweet scent most noticeable early morning or in the evening (to attract the pollinating moths).  A couple of mature ash trees are showing severe signs of stress from the ash dieback disease, with the only canopy being located in the centre of the crown, surrounded by bare branches.

Approaching the common (an area left unmown and a haven for wildlife) tall common valerian grows along the track and also throughout the common.  Crickets provided a constant background clicking, with frequent sudden loud snaps and cracks from the many gorse bushes, as the seed pods burst open to scatter the seed. 

Pale pink orchids, deeper pink ragged robin with its shaggy petals, birdsfoot trefoil and meadow cranesbill are some of the other flowers seen in multiple sites across this small haven of unspoilt nature. 

We began June with high hopes for the arrival of summer, but were disappointed with low temperatures due to the continual chilly breeze.  At last from just after mid-month, it became noticeably warmer and we enjoyed several days of hot sunshine, although often it was mixed sunny spells with cloud and occasional showers.  Both gardens and wild flowers flourished in this mix of warmth and wet, while this year’s lambs and calves also grew at a rapid rate.

As trees came into full leaf, the devastation of Ash dieback within the parish has become more obvious, with sparse canopies and bare twigs.  Many of our hedgerow trees are ash, so this is having a noticeable impact.  The hedgerows themselves are lush and green…..except where the leaves have been consumed and bare areas are now covered in thick white webbing!  This is a result of the production of protective silk by the small ermine moth, whose caterpillars are safe from predating birds by virtue of the strong and sticky webs.

With large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves in darkest green, the black bryony is in evidence as it twines its way up the hedges.  Becoming more noticeable later in the year when the hedges are bare, the bryony also loses its leaves and its bright red berries are threaded through the leafless hedges like long necklaces.  Also twisting up amongst the branches, sweetly scented honeysuckle is starting to flower, the smell being at its strongest on a warm, still evening stroll along the lanes.  Meadowsweet is also beginning to flower, its sweet scent only noted when held close to the nose, but historically used to sweeten the mead.

The May blossom (hawthorn/quickthorn) has faded and the blackthorn is a distant memory (though the developing sloes hold out promise for a later harvest), but elderflower is present in profusion with its pungent aroma.  Also flowering in shades from delicate pale to richest deep pinks is the native dog rose, the single flowers with a white central eye hanging down from the higher hedgerows.  Purple vetches are busily scrambling up from the verges using tendrils to grasp on to other plants for support.

Fledglings are crowding the hedges and birdfeeders in gardens; young greater spotted woodpeckers with their red caps, great tits and coal tits not quite having the glossy black caps of the parent birds and young robins with slightly speckled breasts before developing the famous red colouring.  Bird boxes have been well used to raise families, with some having a second occupation and at least one wren family have been raised in an upturned old cycle helmet hanging in a shed.

Swifts can be heard each evening as they continue to screech their presence as they swoop overhead and some of the swallows have even been entering houses where doors are left open in the warmer weather, presumably looking for a nest site. 

Entering May, temperatures began to rise and growth continued to accelerate.  Grass grew long and lush in the fields and the pale green barley swayed and rolled in waves like the sea, under the breeze.  Dandelion clocks became more numerous than the flowers and were joined by the first buttercups – creeping buttercups nestling amongst the hedgerow plants, whilst meadow buttercups are nodding above the grass in the fields and meadows.  More water avens are flowering along the lanes and the lovely cow parsley was beginning to bloom early in the month – building to its crescendo of a foaming frilly petticoat lining the lanes beneath the cascading May blossom of the hawthorn hedges.  Interspersed with the hawthorn is occasional bird cherry with long panicles of white flowers, unlike the wild cherry which has small clusters of flowers.

Wild garlic flowers are seen in abundance, particularly in the woodland at the Waste and in the woods at Melling Common, where they are accompanied by the still-flowering bluebells.

The return of our summer visitors was noted – screeching of the swifts flying overhead, house martins daubing the eaves with mud as they begin their nest-building projects and swallows diving into barns and porches, seeking the perfect spot to raise this year’s young. 

There were reports of regular sightings of the kingfisher along the river, flashing by in a blur of brightest blue, and the dippers are nesting in their usual spot under the bridge.

A more unusual garden feeder visitor was noted in mid-month in the form of a colourful bullfinch, enjoying the proffered seeds and returning on a daily basis for a period.

The tiny yellow flowers and light green foliage of crosswort shine out with a zesty lime glow amongst the darker greens and are accompanied by the first flowers of the red clover, the bright pink flowers of red campion and the fir-tree like growth of prehistoric mare’s tail.  Jack-by-the-hedge, or hedge mustard, has romped away along the hedgerows and the small white flowers have quietly crept their way up the stems to the very top.  Large, deeply lobed and hairy, the leaves of the later flowering hogweed have emerged, with a purple tinge to the midrib and veins and are accompanied by dense swathes of the pinnate foliage of meadowsweet.  The many ferns continue their unfurling, gradually extending both upwards and horizontally, forming shuttlecocks of foliage.

As March ended, we shivered whilst the temperatures plummeted, and cautiously dipped our tentative toes into a freezing April, looking up at snow-capped Ingleborough.  Despite this, the undaunted little dog-violet opened its deep purple flowers in the hedgerows of Wennington on the very first day of the month. 

These were accompanied by ever-increasing clusters of pale yellow primrose, bright sunny yellow dandelion heads and the discrete little white flowers of barren strawberry (Potentilla sterilis) along the hedgerows of Spout Lane. Also present in greater numbers were the white wood anemones and, in addition, on slender stems, the first delicate starry blooms of greater stitchwort shone out. 

The more thuggish plants that were growing in March accelerated in April, cleavers (goosegrass) beginning to climb more vigorously into the lower reaches of the hedges, with feathery foliage of cow parsley pushing into view and the docks making their presence known with coarse, crinkled leaves thrusting through the grass.

The curlews have continued calling with increased vigour and the peewits (lapwings) have been showing off with more daring aerial demonstrations, tumbling and wheeling around in dramatic display, distracting the viewer from potential nesting sites. There appear to be more Jays about this year than in recent years and the Mandarin Duck reported last month is currently sitting on her eggs!

The first apricot-tinged, purple nodding heads of the water avens (Geum rivale) have emerged from clumps of bright green lobed and toothed leaves and a glorious display of cherry blossom was in evidence by mid-month along Back Lane, just the far side of Old Wennington.

The lambs have increased in numbers and levels of activity and have been joined by cattle put out to grass, including a number of young calves at the junction of Spout Lane and Back Lane.  On ponds, the ‘peeping’ sound of moorhens can be heard calling to their chicks, which can be seen as little balls of black fluff zooming around on the water. Herons and little egrets continue to regularly visit streamside spots and ponds.

The deer that appeared to have taken up residence on Spout Lane for some weeks hasn’t been seen for a while, but sadly a deer was run over at the bottom of the lane, apparently already in poor condition, possibly the same one, although it had appeared healthy previously.

The lush green leaves of wild garlic are carpeting the ground in the woodland at the Waste, with the first starry flower globes opening, interspersed with bluebells – fairly sparsely distributed here.  Butterbur flower spikes are fading from pink to brown, having provided essential early food for bees, as the large leaves begin to burst into growth.

The month got off to a good start, with the first curlews heard on the 2nd March and again on the 5th; since then they have been regularly calling and swooping overhead where Spout Lane and Back Lane meet.  They are accompanied by the characteristic plaintive cries of the peewits (lapwings) which, though not yet in full acrobatic performance, are putting on an aerial display.  Birdsong is becoming louder, more varied and musical, with a background deeper tone from the ubiquitous wood pigeons.

As usual, the first hawthorn hedgerow to show zingy, lime green, new leaves, was that along the footpath leading from the end of Spout Lane to the Narrows.

New growth has been burgeoning in the hedgerows and along the river, and by mid-month there was plenty to be seen – large, dark, shiny and lush leaves of Lords and Ladies (cuckoopint) spreading out on banks below hedges; dense seedlings of cleavers (goosegrass) sprouting with vitality – but a long way to go before they reach up to the tops of the hedges in the summer.  Young nettle shoots, green and vigorous and no doubt ready with a warning sting for anyone getting too close – but no dock leaves yet to alleviate the pain.  Dog’s mercury in evidence, under the hedges, with the inconspicuous pale flowers opening from buds.  In contrast, sunshine-yellow lesser celandine boldly broadcast their presence beneath hedges and along streams and ditches.  The first of the wood anemones, with their delicate foliage and white flowers, are on show along Back Lane.

The first of the primroses along the banking of the hill on Spout Lane, from the waste bin to the rough track and down the other side, came into flower in the middle of March too.  At first, just a few pale yellow blooms, but with the promise of many more to come.  The lower banking is regularly scoured by the large agricultural vehicles that pass up and down, yet each year the primroses are still hanging on.

Behind the hedges in the fields, the anticipated sign of spring in the form of new lambs, arrived in mid-month.  New mothers are on their guard, herding their lambs away from anyone trying to get closer for a photograph!

Down in the village, the daffodils planted at various times over the years came into flower as the crocuses and snowdrops faded.  The bright yellow trumpets proclaim the onset of spring, whatever the weather.  Along the river bank near the bridge, the broad fleshy leaves of wild garlic (ransoms) emerge – a leaf picked and rubbed between the fingers will emit the characteristic smell, but it will be some time before the air is scented.  The leaves can be used to make a delicious wild garlic and pea soup – but beware where you pick them…. not where dogs can roam!

The first daisies were revealing their shy, pink-edged, white faces on the greens, closing up at night and timid about opening on a dull day, whilst the brash, bold tulips in the village planters show their bright colours, seeking attention. 

Towards the end of the month the first blackthorn were coming into blossom and on the 28th March the first bluebell was seen in Hagg Wood. On the 29th March a rather more exotic Mandarin duck was spotted in a village garden and is thought to be actually nesting in the garden. 

This has been a month of storms and gales for the UK as a whole, although here in Wennington we seem to have got off quite lightly – a few trees down in the local area, but little disruption caused.  Plenty of windy days, periods of heavy rain and fluctuating temperatures, but our flora and fauna have carried on regardless, battling through and giving us some optimistic glimpses of spring approaching. 

The woodpeckers could be heard around the village as they started drumming at the beginning of the month – this will be the greater spotted woodpecker, characterised by its black and white body and in the case of the male a prominent red patch on the back of the head.  Brain injury from the impact when the beak hits the bark - at a force of more than 1,000 times gravity – is avoided by a special hinge between the beak and the front of the skull and a ‘shock-absorbing’ muscle.  The drumming is to mark territory and attract a mate.

Whilst the first curlews can be heard in the fields around the village any time, from mid-February to mid-March (varying from one year to the next), this year there have not been any noted during February.  We will have to wait in anticipation for that wonderful arrival of the calling curlew, one of the most evocative vocalisations of the countryside – the bird of wet farmland and northern pastures, a thrilling, trilling, slightly eerie sound.  They are close by – certainly occupying the higher ground in High Tatham, so we will no doubt be receiving our annual visitors shortly.

The resident barn owl on Spout Lane is regularly spotted, usually around 7.30am and 4.30pm during this month, on its patrol of the local fields and hedgerows.  On one occasion, a pair were reported and recorded by one of our local dog-walkers, but usually it is just one swooping silently by, its pale and ghostly appearance often startling the onlooker.

Grey herons and little egrets continue to visit regularly, landing in the wet pastureland and along the stream; the herons tend to continue to be a presence all year, though the little egrets are definitely more winter visitors.

The see-saw, two-tone call of the great tit has also become a prominent feature this month.  This regular garden bird-table visitor has a surprisingly loud and raucous call for such a small bird, which likes to make its vocal presence known from a high branch.  Small groups of the compact, lovely long-tailed tits have continued to pay visits to garden feeders during February.

The small, dainty blades of snowdrops were pushing through the cold earth at the beginning of the month, but it wasn’t till the middle of February that the first flowers appeared.  From then, these pretty, scented blooms with hanging heads covering the inner green markings have become increasingly noticeable, with many to view on Spout Lane and more in the woodland by the river (The Waste).

Bright yellow-green tassels of hazel catkins are also on show this month, a cheery sight especially when illuminated by winter sunshine.  A good display can be seen in the woodland of Melling Common.