30 Days Wild diary: Week 1

By David Philips

Guest blogger

The onset of June brings an exciting time in the natural world and we are extremely lucky here in Sussex to have the South Downs on our doorstep to explore and enjoy. In summer this chalk covered landscape is redolent of the song of Skylarks soaring in clear blue skies, clouds of blue butterflies fluttering over cropped Downland Turf, the scent of Thyme and Marjoram, and of orchids - those showy mini exotics of the UK's botanical world. June brings bright splashes of mauves and magentas from Common Spotted, Fragrant and, later on Pyramidal Orchids whilst the extravagant Lizard orchid remains confined to a few select areas. Amongst the insect mimicking orchids my favourite is the Fly Orchid, shunning the sunniest slopes and preferring the dappled shade of woodlands clinging to the chalk escarpment.

This week the weather has been generally kind, if a little breezy, and it never ceases to amaze me just how much the natural world can repay us when we spend time outside and around nature, - reinvigorating and renewing us in a manner unparalleled by other experiences. Nature's gifts freely given simply by allowing the sights and sounds of the natural world to wash over us.

Highlights for me this week have included sightings of a vixen providing for her cubs, and of watching Hobbies, those dashing, moustachioed little falcons, busily snatching summer dragonflies in mid-air. Another was the appearance of a Sun Halo, also called an icebow or gloriole: a phenomenon caused by ice crystals suspended in clouds and which refract the sunlight to create this ethereal effect. Nature truly can delight by its constant yet never-ending ability to surprise.

All photos © David Philips