Bee's Nature Notes - July

We’re due to start this month with a hot spell; will the old saying get it right with:-
“Then comes hot July, boiling like to fire”?

If we do have a long dry spell it’s well worth while taking a walk around Grey’s Field, (the rugby pitch).  This is where an R.A.F. camp was in WW2.  These brave guys serviced the barrage balloons around south London.  When we've had a dry spell “parch marks” can be seen in the grass, outlining the sites of the wooden huts and roadways.  The wild flowers around the perimeter path margins should still be looking good; the ox-eye daisies have been the best ever!

Lime Tree Blossom

A word of warning, watch your feet when walking in this part of the park.  For the first time in many years, we have a dog owner frequenting this part of the park who believes in the “poo fairy”! Fortunately our park relies on dog walkers having a sense of responsibility to keep our park “poo free”!

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Caucasian Wing Nut

Trees in flower this month:  Lime; this has wonderful fragrance and is beloved by bees.  Best places in the park to see this tree are along the avenue along the west boundary of Henley’s Field. This is the wild flower meadow and along the cycle/walk path near the junction with 40 foot way path.  It's the field with the fallen Willow tree.  If you’re walking this path just past the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) look out for the ancient tree just at the start of the holly hedge path; the Caucasian Wing Nut. It is festooned with fruit right now and easy to see why it got the name “wing nut”!  Look out for the blackberry bushes around the park, covered in flowers right now, they’re good places to spot butterflies.  The Red Admiral loves them!

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Red Admiral (underside)

Red Admiral

Little Owl

If you’re in the park at dusk or dawn look out for our bats; this time of year the baby bats are getting hunting lessons from their mums.  You may even catch site of the Little Owl.  If daytime is your favourite time to visit; don’t forget to come along to Avery Hill Parksfest on July 19th. This fantastic day out has been organised by the Friends of Avery Hill Park group. Eagle Heights will be bringing along their birds of prey; not to be missed!

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