Flora & Fauna
Join me in a deeper dive to better understand the plants and animals that we encounter here in Oxfordshire.
May 2026 · Flora & Fauna · Trees
Yew Tree
The ancient tree that's amazing for climbing, but also incredibly toxic. A harbinger of doom but also a symbol of immortality.
visited the yew in All Saints' churchyard in Didcot that's thought to be between 1,000 - 1,600 years old.
May 2026 · Flora & Fauna · Mammals
Pipistrelle Bat
The small insectivore that can fit inside a matchbox, and gobble down 3,000 insects a night.
We had a lovely evening at SCEEC spotting and hearing them with the help of a bat detector.
May 2026 · Flora & Fauna · Plants
Cuckoo-pint
The plant that inspired many different names, (including bloody man's finger) we keep seeing it this spring.
Poisonous if eaten, it's starchy tuber was used to make ruffs in days of yore. It attracts flies by giving off a rotten-meat smell.