The Scarlet Tiger caterpillars have all disappeared now, so we’ll see what happens in June. Although the weather has taken a cold turn there is still plenty to see along the bridle path. My first walk to the junction with Westwood Avenue today for a few days, revealed an overgrown avenue of green. It happens… Continue reading ROMAN ROAD UPDATE

The answer I am reliably informed is no, caterpillar poo does not smell. And the source of this fascinating piece of information – a new acquaintance made during lockdown. During my prowls along Roman Road, I have met a mum and her young daughter, out looking for caterpillars. No better place in spring to find… Continue reading DOES CATERPILLAR POO SMELL?

A quick reminder to everyone who loves nature and lives or records in Birmingham and/or any of the Black Country Boroughs. This weekend sees the region’s first entry in the international City Nature Challenge. Please join in this Citizen Science Project and help Birmingham and the Black Country by recording all the wildlife – flora… Continue reading CITY NATURE CHALLENGE

Just wanted to share with you the results of a short walk today along Roman Road/Sandy Lane. Firstly, as we were engaged in our almost daily occupation of counting caterpillars, a mum and her daughter pulled up and were looking along the Alkanet. From a safe distance we found out that they had ordered a… Continue reading SCARLET TIGER UPDATE

Continuing to monitor the Scarlet Tiger caterpillar population – this one had a liking for the flower of the Alkanet. Lots about today despite the drop in temperature. In fact, I think it was too hot in some of the patches in the sun over the last week. The caterpillars are growing but there are… Continue reading SCARLET TIGER LARVAE UPDATE

FINAL REFLECTIONS On the last day of this lockdown blog, this is a chance to look back. I started this blog in an attempt to bring Spring into the houses of people who were unable to get out and revel in this glorious time of year for wildlife. With the Coronavirus emergency and calls for… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING

DAY 20 – SCARLET TIGER PROJECT Happy Easter everyone. Thought you might like to learn what our project is all about. We started in 2014 following the discovery of an adult Scarlet Tiger moth the previous summer and caterpillars in the spring of 2014. It is a joint initiative between Dudley Council and Butterfly Conservation… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING