Ecology

July is the main month for Butterfly and Moth activity, and this year is no different. Hundreds of Gatekeeper butterflies have been observed, together with Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White,  and an increasingly rare Silver Studded Blue.

 

Picture of Silver Studded Blue at the Tufa Field
Silver Studded Blue

Not to be outdone, there are also large numbers of Damselflies and Dragonflies.

Picture of Beautiful Demoiselle Damselfly
Beautiful Demoiselle

But all of this is overshadowed by the increasing presence of Himalayan Balsam, which has now encroached all around the margins of the field and along the watercourses. This situation is totally unnecessary and could have been eliminated several years ago when first reported to the owners, Bath and North-East Somerset Council. This invasive species is subject to severe restrictions on removal from site requiring specialist contractors, a licence from DEFRA and the use of controlled disposal sites. Penalties for non-compliance are criminal prosecution and potential for imprisonment.

Here is a montage of the current situation.

Picture of Himalayan Balsam at the Tufa Field - West
Himalayan Balsam looking West
Picture of Himalayan Balsam at the Tufa Field looking North
Himalayan Balsam looking North
Picture of Himalayan Balsam at the Tufa Field looking South
Himalayan Balsam looking South
Picture of Himalayan Balsam at the Tufa Field
Himalayan Balsam looking South

Politics

Following the previous revelation of contract award, we await the official announcement and details of the new proposed timescales on the 30th July at St Luke’s Church, 3.30pm.