Summer is, generally, a time of long warm days that provide plenty of opportunities to get out and about. Coupled with the best weather the UK climate has to offer, the sheer variety of natural spectacles on offer means there really is no excuse not to make the most of summer wildlife – either at dedicated nature spots or in your own back yard.
July sees wildflower meadows at their peak – simply bursting with flowers that attract a myriad of beneficial insects from buzzing bees to colourful butterflies. From the humble yet beautiful ox-eye daisy to rarer and more complex orchids – the range of wild blooms is dazzling.
Wetland habitats are great for spotting martins and swifts as they swoop to pluck insects from the air or snatch a drink from the water’s surface. Whilst the height of the nesting season is over, lakes and lagoons still offer opportunities to enjoy the sight of fluffy late season broods of ducklings and goslings. Heathlands in the heart of Sherwood Forest are ideal places to look out for common lizards sunning themselves in the morning sun and woodlands provide a perfect shady retreat when the heat of high summer gets a little too much to bear.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust nature spots
Extended day light means longer to visit nature sites near and far, so why not check out some Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves? With over 40 sites in our care, there is bound to be one close to where you live.
In South Notts we have Attenborough Nature Reserve, which was opened 60 years ago this year by none other than Sir David Attenborough when he was humble Mr Attenborough. On the other side of the River Trent is Skylarks. Like Attenborough, this is a former gravel pit complex where you can watch water birds, spot songbirds amongst the scrub and reedbeds or watch insects in search of nectar.
More centrally lies Besthorpe Nature Reserve, offering a range of wetland habitats alongside the River Trent between the villages of Besthorpe and Collingham. Just upstream is one of our smaller sites, Farndon Willow Holt where you can enjoy a stroll through the meadow or check out the range of willow species at this former working willow holt – providing a link with Newark’s once thriving basket making industry.
In North Notts, we have our largest site, Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford. Daneshill Lakes is just a short drive away, plus wonderful woodlands including Treswell Wood and Eaton and Gamston Woods.
Our flagship Idle Valley and Attenborough nature reserves have welcoming cafes and shops where you can stock up on wild bird food, pick up a wildlife themed gift or check out our extensive range of wildlife watching ‘scopes and binoculars to help you make the most of your summer wildlife watching – so what are you waiting for?
Details of our nature reserves across the county and those cared for across the UK by sister Wildlife Trusts can be found at www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves.
Image: Amy Lewis