Author Archives: Roger Gaynor

Cherry Plum Blossom Special

As the days lengthen it is noticeable the leaf buds of hedgerows around Wrenthorpe are also lengthening. Indeed some elderberry and hawthorn are starting to unfold their embryonic leaves. However, in places there are also fragmented outbursts of white flowers … Continue reading

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A brief face-to-face meeting with insect royalty

On 27 January 2024 I spotted a large wasp possibly a queen common wasp which may have emerged early from hibernation (see photo). She was busy munching away at an old timber garden chair. This is strategically placed close to … Continue reading

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An impressive family gathering of a botanical nature.

The faded and fallen blooms of summer, together with the current abundance of wayside seed and fruit suggests autumn is already upon us. However, on 4th September a visit to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Ledsham Bank revealed … Continue reading

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Frog Frenzy

This week spring has certainly sprung with frogs croaking, swirling and spawning in a fevered frenzy in the margins of a local pond. Also, nearby goat willow (pussy willow) are in flower. Botanically these trees are known as dioecious plants … Continue reading

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Teetering on the brim of spring

The recent snow and ice has melted revealing a drab field layer of razed and decaying undergrowth.  Despite the same seasonal hardships some neighbouring plants are now teetering on the brim of spring  pushing their new infant green shoots upwards … Continue reading

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Big Garden Birdwatch 2021

The days of grey skies, ice packed ponds and blankets of snow, together with storm Christoph during this January have been enough to make us all shiver and seek refuge.   However, this coming weekend 29th to 31st January there is … Continue reading

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An apple a day helps to keep the hunger away for winter birds

Some wildlife followers may see winter as a season of relative emptiness and in some ways a time that is almost unused by nature itself.  To others the return of falling snow and ice over the past few days may … Continue reading

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Misty morning and glimmers of hope for nature conservation

Today during my regular lockdown walk the early morning mist added another visual permutation to a now very familiar landscape.  A background of electricity pylons and other urban paraphernalia, together with the busy M1 motorway were magically masked away.  Suddenly … Continue reading

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The case of the silent witnesses and the lawyer’s wig

Recently my island of green which lies off the coast of the Wakefield city centre has been transformed.  Trees have released their leafy loads from the summer skies to form a mosaic of colours and shapes on the landing fields … Continue reading

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When is Autumn?

Meteorological autumn was on 1st September and astronomical autumn has entered the calendar this week.  However, the natural world around us has already started to spirit away our memorable summer into the four seasons departure lounge. Surrounding hedgerows are laden … Continue reading

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