August 2025 – Greater Dodder 

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I recently found a rare and interesting plant called Greater Dodder Cuscuta europaea next to the River Avon in Bath.  It is a member of the Bindweed family and is parasitic, primarily on Stinging Nettle.

Greater Dodder is often found alongside waterways and flowers from late-July to September.  The stems are reddish as they have no chlorophyll and the flowers are small and pink (though not very prominent in this photo).  It mainly differs from Dodder in its size and habitat.  Dodder is found in heathland and is parasitic on Gorse and Heather. 

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April 2025 - We are 10 years old!
 

It’s hard to believe but Avellana Ecology has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.  Since I moved down to Bristol in 2015, Avellana Ecology has gone from strength to strength. We’ve been busier than ever over the past couple of years with lots of new clients and many exciting projects with valued clients on fantastic sites such as Leigh Woods in Bristol (images below show green hellebore, wych elm flowers and yellow pimpernel seen on a recent visit there).

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It’s been particularly enjoyable to work on training courses and guided walks with wonderful organisations such as Avon Wildlife Trust, Plantlife and Avon Needs Trees, as well local authorities and local groups in the Bristol area including the Friends Of the Downs and Avon Gorge.

 

Here’s to the next 10 years!

 

February 2025 - Wild Guide - British and Irish Wildflowers and PlantsI highly recommend this new book, especially for people learning botany or wishing to improve their identification skills.  It is a compact photo guide and has an excellent key to species.  It includes grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns and winter tree twigs.   All of the Wild Guide publications are very good identification aids for ecologists and anyone interested in learning more about our wildlife.See https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691245409/british-and-irish-wild-flowers-and-plants?_gl=1*1nko7ri*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI1NjQwNDk1OC4xNzM4Nzc0NjE0*_ga_N1W9JWKLY3*MTczODc3NDYxMi4xLjEuMTczODc3NDYxOS4wLjAuNTM1OTkwMTE2

 

 

A ugust 2023 - SLOW WORM SURVEYS

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I have been surveying for slow worms at an Avon Wildlife Trust nature reserve for the past 5 years, this article outlines the survey methodology and results, and includes information on the ecology of slow worms.  These beautiful creatures are generally most active in the spring and early autumn, so September/October will be a good time to look for them.

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https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/neill-and-kay/slow-worm-surveys-our-volunteers-ground?fbclid=IwAR2eI3i1kQylfcGazZ4b4jllU3xio3z8Lg0e8NeKtfVlWbsn8AEZX1msYrI

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Slow worms at Bennetts Patch nature reserve, Bristol, May 2023

 

 

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