Kilkhampton Common – Autumn 2015

Throughout the summer, the Common has been awash with butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. A total of 1186 butterflies were recorded this year, a 700 decrease from last year, even with the new transects, although this seems to be the case across the UK this year.

Photograph of a harvest mouse on brambles on Kilkhampton Common
Harvest mouse on brambles

During summer a harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) was spotted munching on the blackberries. Due to the dense vegetation they can be very hard to spot. It is encouraging to see them after the release last year.

Now, as the leaves start to fall, many species such as frogs are starting to prepare for hibernation by hiding in mud or holes. Hedgehogs, bats and wood mice will enter a state of torpor, where they will lower body temperature to preserve energy, only leaving their winter homes when it is essential. All wasps die off, leaving only the queen alive to restart the colony next year, bees hibernate in their hives, and many species such as swallows and warblers are migrating south.

Although many species are less visible in the autumn, it is the perfect season to spot fungi. Leaf litter provides the warmth and damp that is essential for growth. So why not take a walk through the woodland and see what you can spot!

Pond dipping on Kilkhampton Common
Pond dipping on the Common

We were awarded funding for pond dipping equipment this year, and spent a morning pond dipping with some local children. We dipped in two of the ponds on the Common and found many species. Water boatmen (Coeixidae), newts, damselfly and dragonfly nymphs were found in abundance in the lower pond. The pond in the middle showed fewer species, which is to be expected as it is still relatively new ecologically.

Recently the local photography group (Bude Photography) had a guided tour of the Common, where we could point out species of interest to them. Some beautiful shots were taken. Hopefully this I the first of many visits for them!

If you wish to get involved with events on the Common, get in touch.


Posted

in

by