June 20th is the summer solstice, with the sun rising earliest and setting latest. Long days mean more time to enjoy the outdoors. Government guidelines at the time of writing allows unlimited exercise for those who are not self isolating. If you are able to get out, then there are some fantastic walks in the Lewes District - see our maps page. However, if you are at home, then there’s no need to miss out - nature is everywhere - especially at this time of year.
Insect life is at its most abundant during June and July - and it’s a great time to spot dragonflies, grasshoppers and beetles. Look out for butterflies too - it’s the peak time for tortoiseshells, red admirals, painted ladies, large and small whites, peacocks and green-veined whites. If you visit habitats such as Malling Down, The Railway Lands or Chailey Common, you may see some rarer species too.
Water is the best place to see damselflies and dragonflies - they’re often to be seen skimming over ponds, lakes and streams. Grasshoppers may start to sing their rasping song at the end of June, too.
Over the next 3 months, poppies are flowering. The sight of a whole field of rich red poppies is truly something to behold. You will also find poppies in flower along road verges, in wildflower meadows and at field edges.
Blink and you’ll miss them - bats are at their most active at dusk in the summer. Look for them just after the sun has set in woodlands, parks and large gardens. Pipistrelles are the most common of the small bats and and the brown long-eared the most widely distributed large bat in the UK.
June is an important month for breeding birds. Many species are raising their young right now and you may even find empty egg shells whilst out on walks, but do take care not to disturb any fledglings you might find. Water is particularly important during dry, hot weather during the summer. If you want to tempt more bird to your garden, then a bird bath is very easy to make with a shallow, watertight bowl or even an upturned dustbin lid or large circular plant tray raised up on a plinth, bricks or stones and filled with a couple of centimetres of water.
Most garden birds tend to feed their young on insects at this time of year. Hungry parents will be delighted by dried insects such a mealworm or chopped nuts (whole nuts can choke baby birds).
Usually found in long grass, ticks are prevalent across the South Downs. Ticks are at their most active from May to October, and are particularly active in warm weather.
Although most ticks are harmless, some can harbour Lyme disease which can cause flu-like symptoms and needs to be treated promptly with antibiotics. If you experience headaches, muscle or joint pain or see a bullseye rash on your skin after a walk, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
It’s easy to avoid contact with ticks by sticking to clear paths, and wearing light coloured long trousers or leggings so ticks are more visible to brush off.
Making a bug hotel is very simple and it’s a great activity to do with children of any age. Your hotel can be as big or as small as you like - it could even sit on a window ledge. Firstly, find a structure that will provide shelter and then fill it with materials the bugs will love. An old flowerpot or plastic bottle with the top cut off is ideal. Then pack tightly with twigs and moss - this creates lots of tiny spaces which the mini beasts in your garden will love and children will enjoy making. Solitary bee season is in full swing in June and a bug hotel is a perfect stop off for them along with lots of other garden mini beasts.
The elder is in full flower from mid May - mid June and its intense perfume lends itself perfectly to making a delicious cordial. If you haven’t made it before, then it’s well worth giving it a go - it’s easy to make and once bottled, will keep in the fridge for several weeks. Dilute with sparkling water or add to wine or even freeze to make lollies.
For 2 litres, you will need:
1.75 kg of white sugar
1-2 unwaxed lemons
10-15 elderflower heads, with the stalks removed and rinsed to remove any dirt and bugs
45g citric acid or additional lemon juice, to taste if you can’t get citric acid.
Put the sugar and 1 litre of water into the largest saucepan you have. Gently heat, until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally. Briefly bring to the boil then turn off. Pare the strips of zest from the lemons with a vegetable peeler, then slice. Carefully transfer the washed flowers to the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid or additional lemon juice and stir well. Cover and leave to infuse for 24 hrs. Next, line a colander with a clean tea towel or unbleached muslin and sit it over a large bowl or pan. Slowly add the steeped liquid. Discard the bits left in the towel and use a funnel or jug to fill sterilised bottles (wash glass bottles in the dishwasher, or wash well and leave to dry in a low oven). The cordial is ready to drink straight away and will keep in the fridge for several weeks.
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