This Month: British Wildlife in June

In the latest instalment of her monthly series for Bloom in Doom, Rebecca Gibson shares some of the British wildlife highlights you can look out for during June.

Illustration: Paige Blake

Birds

It’s a misconception that birds only need help in winter. A source of fresh water is even more important in dry and warm weather. Also, don’t stop putting food out even in summer! There may be more insects around but a bonus supply of nuts will make feeding hungry chicks that little bit easier. Avoid putting dry food out though as this might increase the risk of dehydration. Also, if you’re keen to get started on those unruly hedges, make sure to check for nests before pruning.  

Mammals

Pipistrelle bats will be having their young around now. Adults weigh roughly the same as a 20p piece, but their single pup is huge in comparison – the equivalent of a human woman giving birth to a five-year-old! The new mothers congregate in maternity roosts.

Most pregnant badgers give birth in February, and usually the cubs are weaned by June. This is when they begin to forage alongside the adults. Long summer evenings are a good time to look out for them. Obviously cubs are smaller, but they can also be distinguished from adults by their tendency to play and roll with other cubs.

Image: Rebecca Gibson

Flora

Foxgloves are an unmistakable wildflower. Despite looking exotic, they’re actually native to Britain. In flower from June to September, foxgloves are usually found in woodland and heathland habitats. They’re hardy plants, able to thrive alongside usually dominating bracken. The shape of their tubular petals means foxgloves are pollinated by insects with long tongues, such as the garden bumblebee. Aside from yellow, purple is the most visible colour for bees.

Not many plants can survive the harsh winds and salty spray of the coast, but sea thrift, also known as sea pink, is an exception. Found on rocky beaches, cliffs and saltmarshes, these pink flowers can be seen poking out the top of their flattened leaves. To survive in such salty conditions, sea thrift produces proline, an amino acid that helps to prevent the leaves from becoming damaged.

For more writing from Rebecca, as well as photography and art, visit her website.