Wildlife this month - June

Birds:

There will be substantially less birdsong evident this month than in May, as breeding pairs should now be established and the frantic duties of feeding young take over from display activity. It can be a good time to see birds as they focus on gathering food for their young but the full foliage on the trees and bushes can make spotting the more retiring species something of a challenge. 

Hedgerows:

The hawthorn flowers are now fading to be replaced by another white hedgerow flower as the elders come into blossom.

Blackberries will also be in flower this month and sunny days will allow insect pollinators to ensure good crops of both berries in the autumn – another important food source for wildlife.

Honeysuckle and dog roses add both perfume and colour to the hedgerows at this time of year.

Native flowers:

Some of our more striking native plants begin to flower this month:

• Foxgloves and meadow cranesbill in sheltered fields and woodland edges 
• Yellow irises flowering along suitable waterways
• In open grassland, oxeye daisies can provide extensive displays of flower
• This month is one of the best for native orchids. The greater butterfly, the diminutive musk, as well as fragrant, common spotted, bee and pyramidal will all flower in suitable grassland

Butterflies & insects:

June is also a good month for butterflies and other insects. Look out for dragonflies and damselflies along streams and lakesides.