Scarlet Tiger caterpillars out in the sunshine yesterday – have they heard the news? Below is a copy of the Press Release issued regarding a grant received from Ibstock Enovert Trust. Funding approved to boost Tiger numbers in Stourbridge Residents of Norton in Stourbridge are set to see a boost to numbers of the striking… Continue reading GREAT NEWS!
Firstly – a reminder that this weekend is the CITY NATURE CHALLENGE. Help Birmingham and Black Country in this international competition by recording and reporting all flora and fauna you see from 30 April to 3 May 2021. The area covered includes Birmingham and all the Black Country Boroughs – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.… Continue reading CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
A major part of the work of our volunteers on Roman Road / Sandy Road is control of invasive plants. This may sound straightforward but most plants have value so trying to find a balance is difficult. Bramble is rampant along the bridle path and will take over if left unchecked. However, it is also… Continue reading Friend or Foe? A thorny issue
The Scarlet Tiger Project on Roman Road / Sandy Lane is focused on connectivity – a big buzz-word in conservation. It has been recognised for some time that one of the huge problems facing our wild life is isolation of colonies of threatened fauna and flora. Once an isolated colony of a rare butterfly is… Continue reading Wild about our Stourbridge Gardens
Whenever people ask me about the pretty blue flowers along the verge on Roman Road, I start with a warning about how vigorous and all-pervading they are. However, it you want to grow caterpillars, it is brilliant. The first visible sign that there are caterpillars about is the appearance of holes in the Alkanet The… Continue reading Alkanet – All that’s holey
Only a few days ago, we were experiencing proper wintry weather but such is the unpredictability of the English climate, we are now enjoying a burst of warm spring weather at the end of February. Our normal winter work parties have been severely disrupted by the need to keep safe but we are hoping to… Continue reading 2020-21 WINTER WARBLES
The New Year is always a time of reflection on the past 12 months and chance to look forward to new opportunities. In this review, I am aiming to concentrate on the highlights of my 2020. I spent much more time at home than I’d expected, which gave me a chance to thoroughly explore the… Continue reading 2020 – A STUDY IN SCARLET
Shorter days and spectacular autumn colours herald the start of our work parties. We have an enthusiastic group which met for the first time last Friday. The limited opportunities for conservation work caused by the need to stay safe to comply with COVID recommendations, has meant a cautious return. Thus our band of local volunteers… Continue reading AUTUMN
Signs are that the Scarlet Tiger moths are reaching the end of their spectacular flight season in Stourbridge. It is clear that this moth is thriving, extending its range north-, east and westwards. Always sad to see the battered and faded adults but there are good signs for next year’s generation. Highest individual count along… Continue reading SUPER SCARLETS
The summer blazes on and the Scarlet Tigers have taken to the air to create an impressive aerial display. They seemed to peak last weekend when there were over 40 individuals, mostly newly emerged on the alkanet bank. Once they take to the wing, they tend to roost overnight in the overhanging trees. Usually displays… Continue reading MID SUMMER MAGIC
