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By September there is already a slight chill to the air and the morning mists that lie in the River valleys that dissect the Downs have started. With the colder weather, come the crisp clear blue skies. The evenings are drawing in, and already seasonal birds like the Swallows (Hirundo Rustica) are preparing for the annual migration to Africa, where they stay over winter. |
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the warmth of the sun however you can still see many insects like
the Comma butterfly (Polygonum c-album), which takes its name from
the silvery C-shaped mark on the underside of the hindwing (not shown
in the photograph). Many flowers can also still be seen in bloom, like Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) in the hedges, and herbs Majoram (Origanum vulgare) and Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) still in flower on the downs. |
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As the farmers are completing the harvest in the fields, so are the wild creatures from the hedges and woods beginning theirs, building up supplies for the winter ahead. Next month October, when spiders' webs and fungi appear.
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The
hedgerows particularly are amassed with many varieties of berries
like the Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg), which provide a tasty
autumnal treat for the birds, mammals and invertebrates, as well
as us!.  |
| Every month South Downs Ranger Bruce Middleton gives us an expert's view on on the ever changing landscape of the Downs. As the seasons come and go the Downs undergo dramatic changes. Keep track of the Flora and Fauna, agriculture and wildlife throughout the seasons, here |
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