Be a nature detective this autumn

Autumn is now here and this brings many changes in the natural world. Animals and plants get prepared for the colder months ahead and it’s a great time of year to venture outside.

A drop in temperature starts off mass migration as birds from the UK leave our shores for warmer climates in Africa. Watch out for fieldfares and redwings that migrate here for the winter.

You may see Jays and squirrels burying acorns which help provide meals through the cold winter.
 

Invertebrates such as Ladybirds and Butterflies may seek warm places in which to sleep through as the temperature drops.  

Bats, dormice, and hedgehogs will binge on insects, fruit and nuts to build up their body fat to help them through hibernation. 

As sunlight becomes weaker trees will stop producing chlorophyll for photosynthesis which causes leaves to change colour. As the season progresses you will see full leaf tint when every leaf changes from yellow, brown or red.

Plants also look to the future by dispersing their seeds. From September you may see sycamore “helicopters” floating to the ground or beech nuts which take a ride on animal coats. Plants also use fruit to spread their seeds for instance blackberries are readily eaten by wasps, foxes, and birds. 

Even though the weather maybe cold and dull, autumn is a fabulous time to go outside and discover what nature has to offer.

Written by Angela & Chris