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.

JOIN NOW!

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

or scan this QR code

Check out our Wild News page (in BNA Resources) here>> Wild News to see how wildlife, conservation and the environment are coping with the changing climate.

What to look for in October from the BNA

By D. Farrar

The autumnal days are shortening but now is the time when hedgerows and woodlands are full of colour from leaves, berries and rose hips. Birds and insects take advantage of the food supply before cold weather sets in so it’s a good time to have a wildlife walk and see what you can find.

Hawthorn Berries – Crataegus monogyna. Hawthorn trees are commonly found in hedgerows and woodlands. They are often grown as hedges and provide welcome shelter for wildlife. The berries are bright red and contain only one seed which blackbirds and visiting winter thrushes love.

Angle Shades Moth – Phlogophora meticulosa. This distinctive, unusual moth can still be found in October. They fold their wings when resting and being different shades of brown they look like look like dying autumn leaves, a perfect camouflage amongst leaf litter.

Collared Earthstar Fungus – Geastrum triplex. When this fungus first appears it looks round, similar to a puffball, as it ages the outer layer splits making it look star-shaped. They can be found in woodlands where plenty of leaf litter has accumulated.

Autumn Colour – Now is the time of year to see tree colours change from various shades of green to stunning yellow, orange, red & brown. Take a walk in a woodland or visit an arboretum to see the stunning colours that autumn brings.