Wildlife Diary: Green Space

Wildlife Diary: Green Space

There are substantial areas of natural green space in Lincoln. On day 2 of lockdown, Caroline went for a walk on West Common

Day 2 of Lockdown. Lincoln residents are fortunate in having substantial areas of natural green space in which we can exercise. Today I went for a walk on West Common, along with quite a few others - all scrupulously following social distancing.

Not much has started to grow, but celandines are flowering well and seeds are forming on the last remaining mature elm tree. Just over two weeks ago the pond was jumping with frogs and there is a mass of spawn now. It was good to see a reed bunting.

Much of the common is still very wet so the rare plants should do well this year. At least one kestrel and a buzzard were out hunting.
I do fear that if people don't respect social distancing we may not be able to visit our wonderful local places.

Back home, not only did I see a brimstone butterfly for the first time this year, but a buzzard wheeled over the house! So much to see!

West Common Pond (Caroline Steel)

West Common pond - a good place for frogs

Reedmace (Caroline Steel)

Reedmace, with seeds floating away in the breeze.

Mature elm tree (Caroline Steel)

The last remaining mature elm tree on the common. It flowered well in February and seeds are now forming. There could be white letter hairstreak butterflies in the canopy?

Lesser celandine (Caroline Steel)

Lesser celandine

West Common In Lincoln (Caroline Steel)

Plenty of water on the common this spring