News and updates

The longest day is now behind us and summer is in full swing! On the heath the heather will soon start to flower along with heath speedwell and eyebright. A characteristic sound of the heath in mid-summer is the crackle … Continue reading →

The rhododendron is pretty spectacular at this time of year along with the yellow azaelias which flower along the lake path. The flag iris is turning the marsh from green to gold. Summer flowers are at their best this month. … Continue reading →

May is the month when the rhododendron, azalea, and yellow flag start to flower; the trees come into leaf; the last of the summer migrants return and when the dawn chorus is at its peak. Nightjars usually start arriving from … Continue reading →

April is the month that the ground flora of woodlands has been waiting for all through the winter. Bluebell leaves are emerging along with ramson leaves; violets, primroses, dog’s mercury, wood anemone and celandine are in flower. All these flowering … Continue reading →

Spring has arrived at Stover and it won’t be long before many of the animals that have hibernated over the winter will start to emerge. Look out for the white blooms of blackthorn (blackthorn flowers before it comes into leaf) … Continue reading →

Just as winter is at its dreariest the wildflowers are starting to pop up. Snowdrops and celandines have been in flower for several weeks, and in sheltered spots keep an eye out for dog’s mercury and primrose. Coltsfoot and sweet … Continue reading →

With the shortest day thankfully behind us, spring isn’t far away. Spring is signalled in the form of birdsong. The usual communication calls of birds are joined by the songs of territorial birds claiming their space and advertising for mates. … Continue reading →

Stover’s autumnal gold’s and red’s, which have been spectacular this year, are finally fading and falling now that winter has descended. The woodland birds will now have fewer daylight hours in which to feed. Normally many insects have gone into … Continue reading →