Insects
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillars Munching Fuchsias
Pamela Peacock, who lives in East Meon, has some interesting visitors in her garden. There are two elephant hawk moth caterpillars that are particularly enjoying her late flowering fuchsias.
Autumn Flowers
EMN Wildflower Patch Workparty
The first work party of the autumn carried out a major clearance of foliage at the EMN Wildflower patch next to the sports pavilion today. The plan is to strim down the remaing foliage, clear it and then work on pulling up as much of the invasive the invasive brambles as possible.
Butterflies
Hyden Hill Butterfly Transit Results 2024
Below are the final Hyden Hill Butterfly Transit results for 2024. These have been gathered by members of East Meon Nature, weekly from April 1st to September 28th 2024, on behalf of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. They are a massive disappointment, and reflect nationwide results this year. Attached are the 2023 results for comparison.
Summer Flowers
Last Days of Summer at the EMN Wild Flower Garden
Evening sun at the East Meon Nature wild flower garden. Still some colour left.
Meadow Management
The Churchyard Hay Meadow has been cut
The Churchyard hay meadow has been cut. The hay is currently being turned everyday and will be bailed later this week ready for distribution.
Insects & Flowers
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillars Eating Ragwort
An East Meon Nature member took this super picture of cinnabar moth caterpillars eating ragwort. The ragwort was sited on Hyden Hill, East Meon. After a very wet spring and early summer, ragwort is making a big showing this year!
Summer Flowers
Greater Butterfly Orchids are Flowering in Hen Wood
A good number of greater butterfly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) are growing alongside common spotted orchids beside the wide track in Hen Wood. These are a relatively rare species. They are a tall and upright orchid and are found in meadows and open woodland, and are fond of chalky soils. They have a sweet smell in the evening.
Tree Working Group (TWIG)
Elm Saplings Planted in Halnacker Lane
TWIG members Stuart Martin and Chris Brooker planted 4 disease resistant elm tree saplings on the east side of Halnaker Lane in the vicinity of the existing elm trees, just south of the cross roads of the path from Forty Acres. The tree saplings were donated by the South Downs National Park, and permission to plant them in the hedge was given by the Bereleigh Estate. It is hoped that another 6 elm tree saplings Read more…
Insects & Flowers
Early Purple Orchids are Flowering
I found this early purple orchid next to a path near the Sustainability Centre. Spring is finally arriving.
Butterflies
The Hyden Hill Butterfly Transect Walk has Started
The Hyden Hill Butterfly Transit Walk started on 1st April and will continue once a week to the end of September. This year there has been a positive start with Brimstone Butterflies (male and female), in particular, to the fore. The blog picture shows an orange tip which has just hatched and is solidifying its wings.