Great Close, Church Farm, Church Street, DUNTON, Beds, SG18 8RR
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GARDEN - Wildlife

This time of year the damp weather and rotting vegetation creates ideal conditions for fungi. There is a wide variety at Great Close Field, particularly in grassy margins and areas where wood-chippings have been applied.

Insects aren’t as easily spotted, seeking refuge in places such as under paving slabs, timber, and in out-buildings. There is currently a colony of around 170 Harlequin ladybirds in the beehive. Recent additions to the site have also been quickly colonised: lacewings are now present in the compost toilet roof. Hornets have been found in the compost bays and a waterbutt. They are looking to mate and then hibernate.

Songbirds are busy feeding on Autumn fruits. As well as the blackbird, robin, great tit and blue tit, up to 20 goldfinches have been sighted in the trees at the bottom of the field. Another foraging resident is the field mouse. Caches of cherry stones and walnut shells are frequently discovered. Small birds and mammals also attract predators. Hovering kestrels are a common sight, and foxes venture closer to human dwellings in search of scarcer food.

 

Report by Richard Bevan

November  2009

 

 

 

 

November 2009 wildlife update for Great Close Field