We hope you find it interesting and stimulating, and hope you will join the Association and swell the numbers of Britain’s Naturalists.

Join the BNA the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905, and extend your interest in the British countryside by taking part in a wide range of activities together with fellow enthusiasts of all ages. With the help of our experts, you will be able to learn more about our native flora and fauna and develop an in-depth understanding of how our natural world develops and changes increasingly important in view of the changes in our climate.

At national level, the BNA organises lectures and exhibitions, publishes Country-Side, British Naturalist, the BNA website and the BNA holds occasional conferences and Field Trips at a different location each year.

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Support the BNA by donating via this link>> Donate here

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New book for sale in the BNA shop

In the “How to Begin the Study of Series” we now have the addition of ‘REPTILES’.
By David C. Wareham FBNA, for £9.95.

Covering all 6 British species, in full colour with lots of useful information, and is available to
buy on this link >>https://bna-naturalists.org/shop/clothing-books-accessories/

What to look for in September from the BNA

Photos: D. Farrar

Although summer is giving way to autumn, there is still a variety of insects which can be seen in September. Some are easier to find than others, butterflies and dragonflies are flying around looking for food, whilst bugs and crickets are well camouflaged in bushes, brambles and trees.

Noon Fly – Mesembrina meridiana. This jet black fly can be seen during the late summer and autumn months often sitting on plant leaves or fences enjoying the sun. The feet, face and base of the wings are brightly coloured with orange that really stands out against the black body. These flies are widespread in Britain around woodland edges and hedgerows.

Sweet Chestnut – Castanea sativa. This is the time of year when you will see clusters of sweet chestnuts on these huge trees. The nuts are covered with long spines which are sharp to the touch. (Not to be confused with Horse Chestnut ‘Conkers’ which are smoother and have shorter spines). They burst open when ripe and often contain three or four nuts.

Cinnamon Bug – Corizuz hyoscyami. New generations of this striking looking bug appear during August and September and can be found in a variety of habitats including dunes and woodlands, it is also known as Black and Red Squash Bug. These bugs have become more widespread in recent years and sometimes seen in gardens.

Ivy Flowers – Hedera helix. While lots of flowering plants are beginning to die off, ivy starts to produce its yellowish/green flowers which are highly scented. They are rich with pollen and nectar and attract many species of insects. It is always worth looking at these flowers to see how many species you can spot and may be lucky enough to see the spectacular Hornet Hoverfly – Volucella zonaria