Wednesday, 24 February 2021

News: First Butterflies, Bumblebees and Ladybirds reported

Saturday, 20th February 2021

Following the quite marked change in weather, from cold northerlies to sun and temperatures in the mid-teens this week, the first butterflies and bumblebees of the year started to be seen.  Jennifer H reported receiving several sightings of Brimstone butterflies on Saturday 20th, along with several reports of early Buff-tailed Bumblebee and Seven-spot Ladybird.  A Peacock butterfly was also seen on 24th.

Len M reported several Buff-tailed Bumblebee 
and a large number of Honey Bee feeding in this fine display of crocuses in his garden 

Buff-tailed Bumblebee [photo Len M]

Buff-tailed Bumblebee [photo Len M]

Crocus [photo Len M]

Two groups of Seven-spot Ladybird emerged into the sunshine [photo Andy M]

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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)