It is the time of year that we dedicate a lot of our time to wildlife surveying to see how effective our management is, and June is a great month to see the beginning of a succession of grassland and hedgerow plants. In hedgerows we have seen Red Campion, Cow Parsley, Bugle, Garlic Mustard, Ground Ivy and Hedge Parsley. Elder and Hawthorn are displaying their beautiful blossom in hedgerows replacing Blackthorn.
Grassland plants have been a somewhat delayed this spring, Cowslips are now at their peak. Green-winged Orchids are in flower on the top of Bindon Hill, easily identified by their two green-veined top petals and leaves without spots. Carpets of Birds-foot-trefoil cover the north-side of Bindon this year, broken up by violet shades of Milkwort. An impressive display of Wild Cabbage and Oxeye daisies can be seen at Dungy Head with clusters of Sea Campion and thrift clinging to rocky outcrops.
We were excited to hear of the Hoopoe sighting on the beach at Lulworth a few weeks ago. These exotic pinkish-brown birds with their impressive crest are sometimes spotted during spring migration along the south coast and not far inland during April and May.
Butterfly species such as Wall, Speckled Wood, Small and Large White, and Dingy Skipper have been regularly seen. The first Adonis Blues have been seen on the Five Marys and on Bindon Hill, always exciting when we see the first one of the year in its electric blue splendour. If anyone gets excited by butterflies (like us), join us and a Butterfly Conservation leader for any of the four scheduled butterfly walks in June and July. Contact the Rangers on 01929 400437 or pick up a leaflet from reception for more details.
For the flower of the month we have chosen Green-winged Orchid which you will find mainly on the north-side of Bindon Hill.
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