Abington Naturewatch: August 2026

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Jersey Tiger Moth

12th July 2026 - there have been a good numbers of Jersey Tiger Moth seen this month, with reports from a number of gardens in the village. Quite apart from the striking black and cream patterning on the upper wings when resting, these moths also reveal the orange-red flashes n the underwings when in flight.

This is a species was originally only seen along the south-east coast of the UK, but in recent decades due to rising temperatures and milder. winters, has been spreading north, and is now reasonably common across East Anglia.

Photos from several reporters:

David F, Bourn Bridge Rd - 12th July

David M, Mortlock Gdns - 20th July

Underside view

Derek T, Cambridge Rd - 27th July

Knapweed along PRV

12th July 2026 - David F reported that the Knapweed was in flower along the PRV on Bourn Bridge Road, and also saw a Barnacle Goose amongst the Mallard on Granta Park lake.

Common Toad

9th July 2026 - Colette H spotted this rather beautifully patterned Common Toad along the path by Abington Woods.

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)