OUR NATURE BLOG

The Chatham Green Project site is looking spectacular at this time of year with the pollen-nectar wildflower mixes really doing their jobs and attracting the pollinators. Our butterfly survey this week recorded over 100 individual butterflies of six different species on the farm. Some species were recorded for the first time this year including ringlet, Essex skipper and common blue.
Ox-eye daisy is a favourite with beetles and butterflies is currently dominating the wildflower plot and margins; beds of spear thistle with its beautiful purple flowers are also hugely popular with the butterflies.
 
 

Shortly we will begin the audit of our diamond jubilee wood with the help of volunteers to record survival rates of the young trees. Most appear to be doing well and are green and leafy above the tree guards.
Other wildlife activity of late includes sightings of kestrel, buzzard and weasel. Our migratory birds are also back in the UK with swallows nesting around the farm buildings and we are on the lookout for our turtle dove pair!