Looking in the sweep meadow I spotted a yellow rattle seedling just poking up form the surrounding vegetation. These grow very quickly at this time of year no doubt helped by the fact that they get energy both from photosynthesis in their green leaves and the parasitic tapping of the roots of neighbouring plants.
yellow rattle seedling
Their parasitic habit reduces growth in other plants allowing them and other plants that struggle to compete with vigorous species, to thrive. For this reason it is often added to wildflower mixes as it often parasites grasses. For the same reason it was hated in hayfields, where it greatly reduced the growth of the grass crop.
OI posted about the discovery of the grey-backed mining bee at Blashford the other day, this still very rare species in the UK depends upon willow pollen for food and suitable ground in which to dig a nest, Blashford has lots of both. The nest tunnel is more or less vertical and, to judge by the amount of spoil, quite deep. I got this series of pictures of one emerging from a bit of excavating.
Andrena vaga – Just an antenna above ground
Andrena vaga – Taking a peek
Andrena vaga – Yep, looks safe
Andrena vaga – Above ground, but in need of a dust-off
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 