June is the month when spring turns to summer. As the bluebells die down, clover and foxgloves take their place alongside wildflowers like Herb Robert and Toadflax. The birds are busily feeding their young and the bats may well be visible flying around the waterfall and buildings, catching small insects and moths.
Wildflowers are at their best in July – keep an eye out for Catsear, Clover, Trefoils, Speedwell, Herb Robert and Meadowsweet. Insects are also at their busiest and butterflies at their best. And then there's the beautiful blue dragon and damsel flies (can you tell the difference? Look at the wings). Unfortunately, it’s also the time when midges, flies and wasps start to become a nuisance!
While many of our summer flowers remain in bloom, in September the trees are starting to show signs of Autumn. Although most remain green, you’ll notice signs of leaf, fruit and nuts fall to the ground. Good news for the birds and small mammals who’ll be storing it all for the winter ahead.
The winter months of November and December are when the trees finally shut down; high winds will ensure most of their leaves have fallen by the end of the month. It’s also a bit of a challenge for the few remaining flowering plants, especially if the frosts come early. But some, like chickweed, may hang on a bit longer.
So, whatever time of year you visit, there's something to see. Many a good reason to return.