It’s the first of June which can only mean one thing, 30 Days Wild is here… if you didn’t see my last blog, it is a fun, feel-good challenge run annually by The Wildlife Trusts which aims to bring people closer to nature and take small actions on a daily basis that can collectively have a big impact, for their health, wellbeing and for the planet.
You can still sign up to the nature challenge throughout June by visiting the website here.
So, for day one of the challenge (I can’t promise I will blog every day, but between myself and Bob we may manage one most days…) I spent some time appreciating the insect life that is currently enjoying the raised beds outside the front of the centre.
The purple salvia seems to be the biggest draw and it has been covered in lots of green-eyed flower bees for most of the day, a new bee for me! They are quite small and very smart, with lovely green eyes and a noisy, high pitched hovering flight similar to other flower bees.
Green-eyed flower bee Anthophora bimaculata
I had decided whilst furloughed to try and improve my bee knowledge, spotting hairy-footed flower bees and early bumblebees in the garden, so these are a welcome addition.
Also enjoying the salvia today was a common carder bee:
Common carder bee Bombus pascuorum
Damselflies have been swarming over the beds and paving up to the Centre in large numbers all day and an emperor dragonfly has also been hawking overhead. A dark green fritillary also settled for a few minutes, the first I’ve seen this year, so hopefully we’ll get a few more sightings over the coming days.
We still have no news on when the car park will open, but Bob and I have been busy writing signage and putting it up around the reserve to aid with social distancing when we do open. Bob has also adjusted all the latches to the pedestrian kissing gates, bolting them up, so the gates can be pushed open more easily without everyone touching the same parts. Do keep an eye out for these changes when you visit next.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 
Thanks for all the info and photos you have all been supplying during this difficult time. The weather and nature are providing some consolation for us all.
Martin E.
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You are very welcome, hopefully we will be able to keep them coming!
Thank you Tracy for the update. The signs look good you’ve both been working hard. We look forward to getting back to the reserve when we are able. Angela & Ralph
Thanks Angela, hopefully it won’t be too much longer and you will be able to enjoy the flowers and insect life here too.