It has been hard to escape the fact that this summer has been hot. Spring brought its own challenges, with early nesting birds facing strong winds and sudden downpours just as many species were raising their young. Since then, many of us have spent the height of summer trying to sweating through record-breaking temperatures. Well, I say "many of us" because a surprising amount of our wildlife does not have the ability to sweat at all.
Surprisingly, very few of our native animals cool themselves by sweating. Deer do have sweat glands and foxes can sweat a little through their paw pads, but both depend much more on panting, shade and avoiding activity during the heat of the day. Species such as badgers, hedgehogs and rabbits cannot rely on sweating at all, instead seeking refuge in cool burrows until temperatures drop. Birds are in the same position, using panting and other behavioural adaptations to prevent overheating. I’m ashamed to admit I’m only now thinking about our wild neighbours and what they’ve been dealing with in this context but it is fascinating and crucial to consider.
Thankfully, it seems the worst of the heat has now passed. As we begin to look ahead to cooler days and autumn rains soften the ground, it is the perfect time to start thinking about sowing wildflower seeds for next year. Many native wildflowers benefit from a period of winter cold, with frosts helping to break seed dormancy and trigger germination in spring. Planting seeds now in a well-drained, unfertilised patch of ground can give them the best possible start and reward you with a colourful, pollinator-friendly display next summer.
September is also one of the most rewarding months for foraging, with hedgerows heavy with blackberries and elderberries and many apple trees producing abundant crops. Despite much of the fruit appearing earlier than usual this year, it has been a bumper harvest. Nature has a wonderful way of providing what we need as the seasons change, and elderberries are a perfect example. When prepared properly, they are not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C and other beneficial compounds that help boost our immune systems through the flu seasons.
My personal favourite recipe at the moment is an apple, blackberry and elderberry jam. If you are a little cautious about using elderberries, try making them into a cordial first before adding it to simmering apples and blackberries. A good amount of sugar is essential for a successful preserve, but I also enjoy adding chia seeds for extra nutrients and an even richer jammy texture. A little fresh ginger brings everything together beautifully, adding warmth and a seasonal flavour boost.
You can do more with berries than just eat them, use left over scraps for natural dyes! Blackberries and elderberries can be used to create beautiful natural dyes, making them a fantastic way to breathe new life into old fabrics. Why not spend an afternoon experimenting and discovering the rich purples, pinks and blues that can be created straight from nature's autumn palette?