Nature Notes: November 2025

SOME THINGS IN THE AIR

Highlights of October: A 'loveliness' of ladybirds munching white fly before seeking out sheltered over-wintering spots; drifting strands of gossamer cobwebs; light streaming through the colour-changing leaves like stained glass windows; earwigs; the amber flame of a red fox, white-tipped tail matching the frost; the blushed pink angel wings of field maple alighting in the breeze; hornbeam seed casings whirling down asymmetrically from tiered 'chandeliers'; the call of geese overhead; still, misty mornings in wreaths of pearl and silver beneath peach and nectarine sunrise skies; a wonderfully bright Harvest Supermoon; more fabulous fungi; the scent of damp earth and cider-soaked soil from this year's bounty of fallen fermenting apples; bats above the stream at dawn; even more acorns; the peace of falling leaves.

Lowlights: finding two dead hedgehogs in the village and on the same day; the grating clash of iron blade on hedgerows and resulting acrid smell of wounding from harsh hedge bashing; figures showing that UK wild bird species are in alarming freefall, many due to intensive farming practices (increasing use of machinery and pesticides and removal of habitats including scrub and hedgerows); the passing of remarkable primatologist and conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall.

Key Messages: From Jane, released posthumously "Every single life matters ... I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don't lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing. And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world ... for future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren - then think about the actions you take each day."

What to look for in November: exploding puffballs; flame-coloured falling leaves exposing woodpecker nest-holes; frost crystals; striking pink/orange spindle-berries and birds and mice eating their fallen seed.

What you're more likely to see/hear: barn owls searching for food at dawn and dusk; long-tailed tits flitting around garden fat-balls; the last red admirals on the wing.

What you can do to help:

* Check leaf and bonfire piles for hedgehogs preparing to hibernate.

* Pick up litter. Wildlife can become trapped in string, netting, rubber bands, jars, pots and wrappers.

* Embrace nature friendly farming practices to support birds at risk - yellowhammers, tree sparrows etc.

* #BeAKindSpark and a firework-friendly neighbour to ALL creatures. Keep celebrations to Guy Fawkes night and report any that are 'Bang out of order'. Consider hosting/supporting drone displays instead for even more of a 'wow' factor without causing bees, birds and animals intense distress.