Well, what an absolute treat this month has been. We have been
completely spoiled with the great weather. I know it won't last ,
so we must make the most of it!
The warmth and sunny days have really brought wildlife to life.
The smell of flowers seems more intense and I'm sure the birds
are singing more loudly as well.
Please remember, as the earth dries with the heat from the sun, creating
plenty of dry spots for birds dust baths, our wild creatures need water for
growth, to bathe and to drink.
My horses are choosing to spend most of the day standing inside in
the shade , munching on their hay, popping out for short intervals to
nibble grass and hedges. They prefer to keep their serious grazing for
early evening.
If we feel hot, just imagine how animals with fur must be feeling.
I watched a wee rabbit in the garden yesterday, stretched out in the
full sun on our lawn, panting away.
I'm making sure that my garden offers water in the bird bath but
also with plenty of dishes of water on the ground for rabbits and
hedgehogs and other thirsty creatures.
I've been thoroughly enjoying drawing out of doors. It's been a bit
too hot to paint, but to sit outside and enjoy the benefits of natural
light is amazing. It's also a real treat to listen to nature as I draw
nature - well, at least until the midgies start.
I'm really enjoying working on some colour pencil illustrations just now,
which will be available in prints soon.
The end of June and beginning of July is a very special time in my
home village - because that's when we hold our annual Music Festival -
and our Common Riding. The Festival brings people in from all over
the UK and you can hear music just about anywhere you go.
The Copshaw Common Riding is unique - because our steeds are pushbikes
instead of horses. It's a real family affair and great fun with music, games,
and so much more. Anyone can take part, but they have to be prepared to be
ready for anything! Our main man this year - known as The Tub - is
Deev Mitchell and it looks as though he'll have beautiful warm and sunny
weather for his Big Day.
What we can do for wildlife in hot weather * Offer water in your garden, including low water dishes for hedgehogs etc
* Please don't lift baby birds, if they are feathered and bright looking, leave well alone as the mum is most probably near by
* Listen for crickets * Look out for gold ringed dragonflys, there are loads this year * Tread carefully as adders are about and love the heat * Come along and join the Copshaw common riding ! Happy wildlife watching folks