Would you like to identify the birds, butterflies and other wildlife you see out and about or in your garden? Have you ever wondered which wild plants and fungi are edible? Are you interested in cultivating a deeper connection with nature? Maybe I can help. I’m Ben West, a Molesey resident, lover of landscapes, wildlife and the outdoors and a lifelong ‘student of nature’.
Molesey Heath is a local nature reserve and one of my favourite places to make contact with the sights and sounds of the natural world. Due to Covid 19 I have had to cancel my group monthly walks until it is safe to socialise in public once more. However, I am able to conduct individual on-on-one outings so please do get in touch if you would like to arrange an appointment.
June was a hive of activity as all manner of different Bee species were busy taking nectar and pollinating the flowering plants. Comfrey is a particular favourite of both short and long tongued Bees and is also a good medicial plant with the old country name of ‘Knit-bone’. Another good medicinal and culinary plant species is Horseradish which put on a good show through June. Bird song became more subdued as the month rolled on and the insects took centre stage with beetles, dragonflies, damselflies, moths, butterflies and their caterpillars increasing in numbers through the month. Every flowering head of Hogweed seemed to have all manner of feeding insects present including the beautiful emerald shimmer of the abundant Thick Legged Flower Beetle.
And so to July. Insects of all denominations will still be active and in their prime. Perhaps the most prominent of which will be the high Summer grassland and hedgerow butterflies such as Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Large and Small skippers. These can be seen bouncing through the tall grasses or zipping between the flowers of Creeping Thistle, Wild Carrot, Lesser Knapweed, Yarrow, Fennel and Bramble. This final trio are all good medicinal and edible plants that, amongst a host of other uses, combine well to make a refreshing tea infusion.I’ve noticed Roe Deer coming closer and closer to the edge of the reserve, even in broad daylight so do keep an eye out.
And will you be able to get to the fresh Cherry fruits before the birds do? If so, don’t forget to leave them a few… I will be out walking on Molesey Heath most days and have set up social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook so that you can still keep up with what is happening out there. I post daily on the subjects of plants, wild food, medicinal recipes, birds, butterflies and all things wildlife related. You can find me here:
Twitter: @WildBenWest Instagram: wearewherethewildthingsare Facebook: Ben West
If you have any wildlife related questions, would like something identifying or just want to make contact feel free to message me or drop me a line at ben@wherethewildthingsare.co.uk
In normal circumstances meetings are held the last Saturday of every month but these are far from normal times! When we do get back to normal these are all the details you need to know: