NOT JUST FOR KIDS Seven ways to enjoy nature this autumn
Perhaps you already have plans for the months ahead. If not, why not make time for one – or all – of these wild suggestions?
1
WATCH A DEER RUT The rut of red and fallow deer is one of autumn’s great spectacles, best viewed at dusk or
dawn during September and October. It is a hormone-charged battle between rival stags, involving bellowing roars and the clash of antlers. Dominant stags will win the right to mate with a harem of females.
Spring bulbs provide an important nectar source for early pollinators and now is the time to plant them. Bee- friendly bulbs include crocus, grape hyacinths, English bluebells and snake’s head fritillaries. True species with single flowers are usually more atractive to bees than overbred cultivars. Plant in groups for best results.
2 4
GO STARGAZING Autumn is a great time
of year for stargazing as it is geting dark earlier but temperatures are not yet finger-numbing! Choose a clear night, around the time of a new moon, and find a spot away from sources of light pollution. It will take a litle while for your eyes to adjust to the dark so be patient and wrap up warm!
3
CLEAN NEST BOXES Old nests can harbour a variety of
parasites and fungi so clean out boxes from September onwards, first making certain that they are no longer in use. If possible, detach your box, remove old nesting material, scrape out any debris and rinse with boiling water. Leave in the sunshine to dry thoroughly before rehanging.
8 Cumbrian Wildlife | September 2019
PLANT SPRING- FLOWERING BULBS
Try this now
CHRIS GOMERSALL/2020VISION
BERTIE GREGORY/2020VISION
NIALL BENVIE/2020VISION
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