Writtle conservation expert, Alan Roscoe, has once again been observing the wildlife on campus at Writtle. Here, Alan reviews his April findings.
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"Now come on, this just isn’t playing fair. One second you
think the rain has gone and we are in for another scorching summer like last
year, the next you are gazing out of the window, whilst reaching for the thermostat.
But did you notice the slightest warming of the days a few weeks
back when things started waking up? We certainly did here at the College as we are
interested in annual changes in seasonal events (’phenological indicators’) and
our students keep an eye open for us on the first appearance of certain key
species, especially butterflies.
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| Orange Tip, College estate, April 2014, Copyright Noah Greaves |
So, what was the first butterfly out of the blocks this year?
The Brimstone was the first species, spotted in late February by our student
Fiona basking on bricks near the student restaurant (the butterfly that is, not
Fiona). This sulphur yellow insect was closely followed by Peacock, Small
Tortoiseshell and Comma. But for me the acme of spring is the Orange Tip. This
small butterfly says that spring is in full swing and its appearance is all the
more special for it being so fleeting.
Thanks to our student Noah for this great picture of a
female Orange Tip on the College estate. Roll on summer."
