WILDLIFE WATCH: JULY IN THE VILLAGES
July is one of the busiest and most rewarding months for British wildlife. With long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and an abundance of food sources, nature is thriving across our villages and the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re an enthusiastic wildlife watcher or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities to spot some of the fascinating creatures that share our local environment.
Look up on a warm summer’s day and you may see swallows and house martins darting and swooping through the sky. These agile birds spend much of their time catching insects on the wing and are often busy feeding hungry chicks in nests tucked beneath the eaves of houses, barns, and outbuildings.
Their aerial acrobatics are one of the most recognisable signs of the British summer. Red kites have also become an increasingly familiar sight in many parts of the country. With their distinctive forked tails and graceful flight, these impressive birds of prey can often be seen circling high above fields and open countryside as they search for food.
Gardens come alive during July as butterflies emerge in large numbers. Species such as peacocks, red admirals, small tortoiseshells, commas, and gatekeepers can f requently be spotted visiting colourful summer flowers. Plants such as lavender, buddleia, verbena, and echinacea are particularly attractive to butterflies and provide valuable nectar throughout the season. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the striking brimstone butterfly, whose bright yellow wings stand out the summer greenery.
Bees are equally busy at this time of year. Bumblebees and
honeybees can be seen moving from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen while performing the vital task of pollination. Without these hardworking insects, many of our wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables would struggle to survive. Creating a bee-friendly garden with a variety of flowering plants can make a significant contribution to supporting local ecosystems.
As evening approaches and the village begins to quieten down, a different group of wildlife becomes active. Hedgehogs emerge from their daytime hiding places to begin their nightly search for insects, slugs, beetles, and worms. Sadly, hedgehog numbers have declined in recent decades, making every sighting particularly special. Gardeners can help by leaving small gaps in fences, providing access between gardens, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides, and creating wildlife-friendly corners with logs, leaves, and natural shelter.
Ponds, streams, and damp areas are especially lively during July. Dragonflies and damselflies patrol the water’s edge, their
iridescent wings catching the sunlight as they dart across the surface. Frogs, toads, and newts may also be found in these habitats, while birds often visit to drink and bathe during warmer weather.
Country lanes, hedgerows, and woodland edges remain rich with birdlife throughout the month. Blackbirds, robins, wrens, blue tits, and goldfinches can all be heard singing or calling as they continue to raise late broods. Hedgerows are also beginning to produce berries that will provide an important food source for wildlife later in the year.
Why not spend a few minutes this month recording the wildlife you see?
Whether it’s a butterfly visiting your garden, a hedgehog wandering through at dusk, or a red kite soaring overhead, every sighting is a reminder of the r emarkable natural world that surrounds us. Taking time to observe and appreciate local wildlife can help us better understand and protect the species that make our villages such vibrant places to live.
Beak
David Beak
Stonemason and Monumental Mason
David Beak
S.R.C. ltd.
David Beak
S.R.C. ltd.
S.R.C. ltd.
Stonemason and Monumental Mason
Stonemason and Monumental Mason
Stonemason and Monumental Mason
New memorials supplied, Specialist in renovations of memorials, Hand carved lettering, Working in local Stones and Granites
LOCAL WALK FEATURE: A SUMMER
New memorials supplied, Specialist in renovations of memorials, Hand carved lettering, Working in local Stones and Granites
New memorials supplied, Specialist in renovations of memorials, Hand carved lettering, Working in local Stones and Granites
New memorials supplied, Specialist in renovations of memorials, Hand carved lettering, Working in local Stones and Granites
Construction and renovation work to Buildings
Construction and renovation work to Buildings
Construction and renovation work to Buildings
Traditional Stonemasonry skills, Lime mortar repointing, All projects considered.
Construction and renovation work to Buildings
Traditional Stonemasonry skills, Lime mortar repointing, All projects considered.
Traditional Stonemasonry skills, Lime mortar repointing, All projects considered.
Traditional Stonemasonry skills, Lime mortar repointing, All projects considered.
07884 061 062
07884 061 062
07884 061 062
07884 061 062
01295 257483
01295 257483
Middleton Cheney is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it an ideal starting point for a summer walk. One popular circular route begins in the village centre before heading out along public footpaths towards open farmland and rolling Northamptonshire countryside.
01295 257483
01295 257483
davidjbeak@gmail.com
davidjbeak@gmail.com
davidjbeak@gmail.com
davidjbeak@gmail.com
The route offers walkers a chance to enjoy wide-ranging views across fields, traditional hedgerows and pockets of woodland. During July, the landscape is often filled with colourful wildflowers and the sounds of birdsong, creating a peaceful escape from busy daily life. Keep an eye out for local wildlife including red kites soaring overhead, rabbits darting through hedgerows and butterflies feeding
SUMMER STROLL AROUND MIDDLETON CHENEY
among the wildflowers. The route is generally suitable for most walkers, although sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after wet weather. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the scenery, making it perfect for families, dog walkers and those looking for a gentle
afternoon outing. its historic buildings, welcoming atmosphere and strong community spirit. Remember to follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control around livestock and leave gates as you find them.
With warm weather and longer daylight hours, July is the perfect month to discover the beautiful countryside right on our doorstep.
SUMMER GARDENING: MAKING THE MOST OF JULY
July is one of the most rewarding months in the garden. Flowers are in full bloom, vegetables are ripening, and long sunny days provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces. However, it is also a month when plants need a little extra care.
watering helps prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly and allows plants to absorb water more effectively. Containers and hanging baskets may need watering daily during hot spells.
Watering is one of the most important gardening jobs during July. Early morning or evening
Deadheading faded flowers from roses, geraniums and other bedding plants will encourage new blooms and help keep displays looking their best throughout the summer. Regular mowing and edging can also transform the appearance of a lawn and create
a tidy finish to the garden.
For vegetable growers, July is harvest time for many crops including potatoes, peas, lettuce and courgettes. Continue sowing salad leaves and herbs for a steady supply through the season.
July is also a wonderful month for wildlife. Bees, butterflies and birds are active throughout the garden,
so consider leaving a shallow dish of water in a shady spot to help visiting creatures stay hydrated.
Finally, don’t forget to take time to enjoy your efforts. Whether it’s relaxing with a book, hosting a barbecue, or simply admiring the colours and scents around you, July is a reminder that gardening is as much about enjoyment as it is about hard work.
JULY EVENTS & OBSERVANCES
July is packed with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the best of summer.
National Picnic Month
July is the perfect time to gather family and friends and enjoy a picnic in one of our beautiful local parks or countryside spots.
Wimbledon Season
One of Britain’s most iconic sporting events brings together the world’s best tennis players and millions of viewers.
Summer Garden Season
Gardens across the country are at their colourful best. Consider visiting an open garden or supporting a local gardening club.
Wildlife Watching July is one of the best months for spotting butterflies, dragonflies, swallows and red kites around our villages.
Walking Month Challenge
Why not challenge yourself to explore a new footpath or local walking route each week this month?
This month we c hallenge readers to:
• Take a walk they’ve never done before.
• Photograph their favourite local view.
• Spot five different butterfly species.
• Support a local independent business.
• Spend an evening watching the sunset.
Send your photos saved as a high resolution in a JPG or PDF format, and stories to the magazine for a chance to be featured in next month’s issue.
Send to roundandaboutbanbury@gmail.com
1. What is the birthstone for July?
2. Which famous tennis tournament takes place each summer in London?
3. Which fruit is traditionally associated with Wimbledon?
4. What is the longest day of the year called?
5. Which insect produces honey?
6. In which season do swallows typically arrive in the UK?
7. What colour are ripe sunflowers most commonly?
8. Which month comes directly after July?
9. What is the name of a young frog?
10. How many months are there in a year?
Answers: See page 6
