Stubble fields

Where the farmers have left stubble fields and planted crops like spring barley there is a plentiful supply of seed. This has helped the small birds like the Yellow Hammer and Skylark. In the past the over intensification in farming has caused a massive reduction in our bird populations. Nowadays the leaving of stubble fields and the sowing of spring barley has been encouraged through grant schemes like the Countryside Stewardship.

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

Depressions in the grain market and problems of soil erosion also favour this practice. Flowers to look out for this month include the pink flowered Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). This plant can be found in flower nearly all year round but at this time of year many of the plants leaves turn a deep red colour. In the Middle Ages this plant was believed to be medicinal and good for the circulation because of its resemblance to blood.

Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)

Another plant that has its leaves turn red this month is the shrub called Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus). Because of its colour it is a shrub often grown in ornamental gardens. However the shiny red berries are even more impressive than the leaves.

This shrub in the wild can be found to growing in wet woodland and on the edges of coppices.
Lookout for another scarlet leafed shrub found scattered over the downs, sandstone and wealden clay called Spindle (Euonymus europaeus).

Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)

This shrub has pink-orange berries that are poisonous to us but harmless to birds that love them. The Spindle name derives from its hard wood that was used for centuries as a spindle to spin wool. Another shrub that is laden in berries is the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). These fruit are known as "sloes" and are only palatable after a few good frosts otherwise they are very sharp to the taste. These fruit have been used for making wine, jam and the flavouring of gin. They are also a very good source of food for the birds and animals.

Talking of animals, one animal that we must be aware of at this time of the year is the Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

They may have already chosen or will be looking for suitable dry and warm niches to settle down and hibernate in for the winter. In some cases they may choose to bed-down under the garden shed but sometimes they opt for the cover of piled up rubbish or fire stack. So if you are going to have a garden fire at this time of year do try to check for hedgehogs first. If you do discover one then remember to use thick gloves because their defensive prickles can be very painful if you try picking them up. Then find some warmer and safer place for it to hibernate for the winter.

Next month December, winter will truly arrive and other creatures will be hibernating until the spring.