Walking beneath the cliffs at Fairlight yesterday it was striking how the dominant plants are non-natives. As the gardens (and houses) tumble into the sea, some of the garden plants have established in a big way. The “big three” are Pampas Grass, Wall Flower and Hottentot Fig. They are certainly attractive flowers, but are they a good thing? I suspect they offer food and shelter to many native invertebrates, perhaps even rare species…
Pampas Grass
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The picture below shows the first appearance of young House Sparrows that have fledged from a nest box that I put up at the back of my house last year. The box was a communal type and aimed at House Sparrows because ivy that had been used as a nest site in previous years had to be removed.
Fred Batchelor by email
Last night was the best of the autumn in my garden trap, despite heavy rain. 10 species included a migrant Rusty Dot Pearl, Black Rustic, L-album Wainscot, Red Line Quaker and Sallow. Also a Twenty Plume moth in the kitchen and Hummingbird Hawk in the garden again.
Photo of L-album wainscot by Alan Parker
Posted by Alan Parker on wildhastings
Still very few moths in my garden trap, but today an L-album Wainscot-the third this year, and again a Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Verbena bonariensis
Posted by Alan Parker on wildhastings
Very few moths trapped recently but in the trap yesterday a Dark Sword-grass. In our garden a Hummingbird Hawk Moth for the second day feeding on Verbena Bonariensis along with 6 Red Admirals, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady & Speckled Wood. Also Rhododendron Leafhopper on sunflower.
Reported by Alan Parker on wildhastings.org.uk