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Title: Cherry Plum: A Blossoming Delight in Nature's Palette

In the early days of spring, when the world awakens from its winter slumber, the cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) emerges as a vibrant herald of the season's renewal. With its delicate blossoms and luscious fruit, this…

Title: Chicory: Unveiling the Versatile Herb of Culinary and Medicinal Delights

In the realm of herbs and greens, chicory (Cichorium intybus) stands as a versatile and nutritious plant with a rich culinary and medicinal history. From its bitter leaves to its vibrant blue flowers, chicory…

Title: Chiffchaff: The Energetic Warbler of Woodlands and Gardens

In the verdant tapestry of woodlands and gardens, a small but spirited songbird captures the hearts of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike—the chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita). With its distinctive song, energetic…

Title: Nature Notes - Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

The chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) is one of several warbler species that migrate to us from Africa in spring for the breeding season and then head back south again in early autumn. I always reckoned to hear my first…

Title: Chives: The Delightful Herb of Culinary and Medicinal Wonders

In the world of herbs, chives (Allium schoenoprasum) stand out as a versatile and flavorful addition to culinary creations and herbal remedies alike. With their delicate green shoots, vibrant purple flowers, and subtle…

Title: Exploring the Cinnamon Bug: Corizus hyoscyami

In the intricate tapestry of insect life, the cinnamon bug (Corizus hyoscyami) emerges as a fascinating and distinctive member of the Hemiptera order, captivating entomologists and nature enthusiasts with its striking appearance and…

Title: Defining Citizen Science

Citizen Science

The Oxford English Dictionary defines citizen science as:

“The collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part…

Title: Cleavers: The Tangled Wonder of Nature's Pharmacy

In the lush undergrowth of woodlands and meadows, a humble yet tenacious plant weaves its way through the landscape, capturing the attention of herbalists and foragers alike—the cleavers (Galium aparine). With its clinging stems,…

Title: Nature Notes -  Cleavers (Galium aparine)

There cannot be a hedgerow that does not have cleavers amongst its wayside flowers. It is widespread in Britain, across Europe and in to Asia. It has colonised the Americas and Australasia and in the USA it is designated an obnoxious…

Title: The Clouded Yellow Butterfly: A Vibrant Visitor

The Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus) is one of the most striking butterflies in Europe, known for its vibrant yellow wings edged with black. This migratory butterfly, native to southern Europe and North Africa, frequently ventures…

Title: Nature Notes - Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea)

Although we get an influx of migrant Clouded Yellows most years it always gives me bit of a thrill to see one. I suppose, when you first glimpse one, you know you have seen something slightly out of the ordinary.Last year, when I took…

Title: Cluster Fly: An Uninvited House Guest with a Unique Life Cycle

The cluster fly (Pollenia rudis) is a common but often misunderstood insect that belongs to the family Calliphoridae. While they are frequently mistaken for house flies, cluster flies have distinct habits and…

Title: Nature Notes - Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis) 

Although there is a family of flies known as house-flies it is actually the family of blow flies that can be the biggest nuisance to human kind. Blow flies include the common bluebottle and greenbottle with which most people are…

Title: Introducing Site Clusters

What are site clusters? 

Very simply, site clusters are arbitrary groups of sites of natural interest in the Sidmouth area. They are not based on science, purely on a logical grouping of surveyed sites into…

What are site clusters?

Site clusters are groupings of geographically proximate sites in the Sidmouth area that share common habitats, influences (like human intervention), or geological features. These clusters are created for comparative purposes and are not based on strict scientific…

Study Guide

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on the provided excerpt from "Site Clusters."

1. What are the three primary factors considered when grouping survey sites into clusters for the Sidmouth Nature Project?
2. Why is…

Title: Coastal Habitat

Being a seaside town, Sidmouth is very much influenced by coastal conditions. Habitats range from the shingle on the beach to the towering cliffs either side that are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. 

Coastal habitats are formed and…

Title: Defining Various Rock Types

In this article (and associated articles) various technical terms were used, some referring to rock types and it may be useful to have more detail about those rock types so the primary ones are explained bellow:

Breccia

Coastline:

A survey report of this site cluster will be posted once the analysis is complete but in the meantime you can still find information about this cluster, its sites, its habitats and its species by clicking the photograph. 

Title: Cock's-Foot: A Hardy Grass with Ecological and Agricultural Significance

In the mosaic of grasslands and meadows, one grass species stands out for its resilience, versatility, and ecological importance—the cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata). With its distinctive seed heads…

Title: Coleoptera: Exploring the Fascinating World of Beetles

In the vast tapestry of the insect world, one group stands out for its sheer diversity, adaptability, and ecological significance: the beetles. With over 350,000 known species and counting, beetles make up the…

1. What are Coleoptera?

Coleoptera is the scientific name for the order of insects that we commonly call beetles. They are the largest order of insects on Earth, with over 350,000 known species and likely many more yet to be discovered. They are incredibly diverse in terms of appearance…

Study Guide

Short-Answer Questions:

1. What are elytra, and what function do they serve in beetles?
2. Describe the life cycle of a typical beetle.
3. How do beetles contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems?
4. Explain the term "Coleoptera" and…

Coleoptera Summary

Title: Collared Dove: The Graceful Symbol of Peace and Tranquility

In gardens, parks, and urban landscapes, a gentle cooing melody often accompanies the arrival of a dove with a distinctive black collar—the collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto). Revered for its elegant appearance,…

Title: Nature Notes - Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Collared Dove has risen quickly up the top twenty garden birds list and is currently number 7 having first entered the top 10 at number 10 in 1989.Until the early 1950's the Collared Dove was a non-British species, being…

Title: Comma Butterfly: A Majestic Emblem of Nature's Beauty

In the dappled sunlight of woodlands and gardens, a delicate dance of orange and black wings unfolds—a sight that heralds the arrival of the comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album). With its intricate patterns, graceful flight, and…

Title: Nature Notes - Comma (Polygonia c-album)

The comma always causes a bit of excitement at first as it is somewhat like a fritillary and to have a fritillary of any description in the garden would be immense! That said, the comma is such a lovely colour it is always welcome.Commas…

Title: The Backswimmer: Nature's Aquatic Acrobat

Introduction: In the tranquil waters of ponds and slow-moving streams, a remarkable creature silently navigates its domain with elegance and precision—the backswimmer. With its unique adaptation for life on the water's surface and…

Title: Exploring Hoverflies Syrphus ribesii and Vitripennis: Nature's Masterful Mimics

In the intricate world of insects, few creatures captivate the observer's eye quite like the hoverflies Syrphus ribesii and Vitripennis. With their striking appearance, unique behaviors, and remarkable…