How can I find if I live within the boundaries of the newly designated South Downs National Park?
Following the exciting news of the national park designation you can find out if you are within the boundaries of the park by visiting Natural England website, this provides detailed maps of individual areas.
What should I do if I see a baby bird on the ground in my garden?
Not all young birds that are seen on the ground are orphaned or injured. In the spring and summer it is relatively common to find a young fledgling sitting on the ground or hoping gingerly around your garden. Although you cannot see the parents they will be nearby looking for insects to feed the hungry youngsters or waiting till you have passed.
The young of many birds including blackbirds leave the nest (fledge) once they are fully feathered despite their inability to fly. They spend 1-3 days on the ground waiting for their feathers to finish forming before they embark on the adventure of flight.
The only time you should contemplate moving a baby bird is if you can see that the bird is in immediate danger from a cat or busy road. Even then you must ensure you do not move the bird far as its parents will be egar to find it. If the bird has no feathers (a nestling) it has obviously fallen out the nest, then, if the nest is accessible, try and return it as quickly as possible. Nestlings need to retain heat at all times and will not survive if exposed to the cold. It is a common misconception that touching a baby bird will leave a scent on it that will cause its parents to abandon it.
Although many peoples intentions are good you will dramatically cut a fledglings chance of survival if you move it therefore only move it if really necessary.
How can you tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?
Dragonflies and damselflies are often both lumped in as dragonflies when people talk about them. However if you are out for a stroll this summer and want to spot the differences there are a few simple features you need to look out for. Damselflies have very thin bodies with four equally proportioned wings. When damselflies rest they will hold the wings together along the length of their body and if you get close enough you can see that their eyes are on the sides of the heads and not touching. Dragonflies differ by having longer slimmer forewings and shorter broader hind wings. When resting they hold the wings open over their body, while their large eyes tend to be at the front of their head and touching.
I have been digging up some old fence posts in my garden and have come across several big Larvae with orange heads what could they be?
It sounds as though you have unearthed stag beetle larvae. The stag beetle is our largest land beetle and although it is not uncommon in southern parts of England the total population of Stag Beetles in the UK is believed to be declining. Stag Beetles require dead wood to fulfil their lifecycle. Therefore we would recommend that you put them back where you found them as soon as possible. If this not possible you need to careful bury them in a quiet part of your garden by some rotten wood. The only time you should move a stag beetle larvae is for its own safety. If you would like to find out more about Stag Beetles or how you can create additional habitat why not take a look at
Peoples Trust for Endangered Species website
If you have a wildlife question contact WildCall
Thumbnail image of Beautiful Demoiselle by Paul Marten/Sussex Wildlife Trust
