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Bug life - Flying ants July is often the time when you spot clouds of flying ants outdoors. Contrary to popular opinion it doesn’t just happen on one day a year, but rather the ants (mostly the common black ant) emerge when conditions are optimum for them ie in warm weather, often after summer rain.


Swarming is triggered by temperature and this is the time when winged adult ants take to the air simply to mate. The male ants die soon after these nuptial flights whilst the new queens will land, lose their wings and look for a hole or crevice to start a new colony.


These swarming events provide a feast for many birds with species such as gulls and swifts swooping in to make the most of the glut.


15 July – 7 August


The Big Buterfly Count Wildlife lovers are being encouraged once again to take part in the world’s largest butterfly survey. Simply pick a spot and spend 15 minutes counting the butterflies and moths you see and submit your sightings online. You’ll find all your need to know at bigbutterflycount.org


National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week:


23 – 31 JULY 2022 Research into the whale, dolphin and porpoise population off our shores continues during this week with the aim to take a general ‘snapshot’ of what lives in our coastal waters. To find out how you can take part visit Seawatchfoundation.org.uk


Wildlife & Nature


Events 3 July


Rewilding Tours Sharpham Estate Learn all about our riverside rewilding project Wild for People, which has turned 50 acres of conventional farmland back to nature. Free. Sharphamtrust.org.


7 July, 4 August


Bovey Tracey Bat Safari Join this walk and talk event to find and listen to bats. 9.30 – 11pm. Devonwildlifetrust.org


13 July


Plymouth Sound’s Amazing - ONLINE Join this fascinating and enlightening illustrated talk to find out more about the incredible marine wildlife around Plymouth. Hosted by Devon Wildlife Trust with guest speakers Paul Naylor, marine biologist and photographer, and Dr Lissa Batey, Head of Marine Conservation, The Wildlife Trusts. 6 – 7pm. Devonwildlifetrust.org


22 July, 19 August


Berry Head Bat Walks Berry Head, Brixham This is a unique opportunity to see the rare greater horseshoe bats at Berry Head. Learn how the cows help to feed them, watch them emerge from their roost and listen to their calls using bat detectors. Countryside-trust. org.uk


24 July – 8 August


National Marine Week This is the Wildlife Trusts’ nationwide celebration of all things marine with 15 fun-filled days of activities. Wembury (near Plymouth) is the local centre and over the summer they are running a number of family-friendly rockpool and underwater safaris. Wemburymarinecentre. org


28 July


Berry Head Guided Nature Walk Join local Berry Head expert Nigel Smallbones for an informative walk around the headland. Having worked and lived on the nature reserve for many years, he will be sharing his in-depth knowledge and insights of Berry Head’s history, geology, flora and fauna. Countryside- trust.org.uk


1 August


Bat Watch Slapton Ley Explore the night-time world of these magical creatures. Watch them emerge from their roost, follow their foraging routes and use our bat detectors to hear their weird and wonderful calls. 8.30 – 11pm. www.field-studies-council.org


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