Discovering Neroche
Autumn wildlife
Autumn, like spring, seems to be becoming a more elusive season. In some years we seem to pass straight from late summer into early winter, with little time to marvel at autumnal colours and the 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness'. So as the days shorten and the cool mornings and evenings take hold, there's no time to lose in getting out and soaking up the atmosphere!
Trees are the highlight of autumn. The bright golden foliage of the beeches on the avenue along the ridge (notably at Culmhead) and in the forest (for example at Castle Neroche) are a sight to behold, and the deep carpet of leaves along the forest rides make for the perfect Sunday afternoon walk. Try the circular walk running below the Wellington Monument, or wander through Quants and Ruggin near the Merry Harriers pub.
The hedgerows carry a rich harvest of fruit at this time of year - rosehips, hawthorn berries, elderberries, sloes and still some blackberries. Many people are engaged in the cottage industry of sloe gin-making, blackberry jam and rosehip jelly making and wine brewing from all this free wild food. Look out also for more unusual fruits like the gaudy pink berries of the spindle tree, and the hard and sour crab apples - perfect for crab apple jelly.
The fields and forest floor harbour fungi of all descriptions this season. Whether its field mushrooms or rarer chanterelles, blewits or ceps, there's plenty to discover, but always be sure of what you are picking - preferably let an expert show you, and never eat a wild fungus unless you are certain it is truly edible!
Best wildlife to see now?
- Dormouse
- Pipistrelle
What's breeding or flowering now?
- Dormouse
- Pipistrelle
See other seasons:
