First Day of Autumn

Monday, September 1st 2014

It is the Met Office's first day of autumn.  Summer can be stretched to the equinox around the 21st September, especially if the weather is warm and sunny, as it was today.  There are still butterflies to be seen flying around feeding from the many flowers in bloom.  This Peacock butterfly was hanging on tight in the breeze, as it fed from Devil's Bit Scabious.

A caterpillar, found by the Eco Club children on Saturday, remains in the same place, eating Purple Loosestrife leaves.  Initially this was identified as a Grey Dagger Moth caterpillar, but as it is growing, the ID may not be correct.  Further investigation needed!

Risedale Beck is our spring area for flowers.  The Scrapes is more for late summer.  (Please note autumn is not used just yet!)  Areas of the Scrapes are yellow as the Fleabane opens its buds.  Bees, hoverflies and butterflies feed from this flower.  And yes you are correct in thinking this plant was once used to remove fleas, especially if Queen Elizabeth 1st was coming to visit!

Hemp Agrimony is another nectar rich flower used by many insects.

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