October and the temperature rises to an unseasonable 22 degrees. You could be fooled into thinking that summer is still with us. But leaves are turning from fresh greens to deep warm autumnal reds and yellows as they float graciously to the ground.

The sun is low and its rays are gentle, warm, and golden. There is no doubt that we are slipping into autumn. October 2023, ten years since the Finemere Volunteer Work Party was created.

With the summer task of scything and raking grassy areas completed, and the winter job of clearing scrub yet to begin, the volunteers busy themselves with removing fences from protected areas. As targeted sections of vegetation are cleared during the winter months, fences are erected around these spaces to protect the new growth from being devoured by deer. After 3-5 years of growth, the trees and bushes are of a size that they can now fend for themselves, and thus the fences are removed.

The bramble bushes are alive with red admiral butterflies, more plentiful than ever before, feeding on the juice of over-ripe blackberries. Vanessa atlanta is a handsome creature. Its wings are black velvet, intersected by distinct red bands and with a scattering of white spots. The underwings resemble tree bark, providing great camouflage when the wings are closed. 

Seen anywhere in the UK, in a wide range of habitats, the majority of red admirals spotted are European migrants. Arriving in May and June, they produce just one brood of offspring from mid-August and into October. Eggs are laid upon stinging nettles, the host plant.

A few of these butterflies manage to hibernate through our winter and thus there is a small resident population, mainly in the South of England. These beauties provide a welcome distraction as the woodland workers heft fencing panels around the site.

But there is work to be done. Fences must be removed. Honeysuckle is entwined through wire netting, securing panels firmly to the ground. Brambles, with fearsome thorns, encompass the metal, ready to attack those who approach. With protective gear, the valiant volunteers venture forth, releasing the fencing panels from the powerful grip of these vigorous plants. The wood becomes one again, no evidence of human intervention remains.

More than 1,700 volunteers help us towards our vision of more nature everywhere, on our nature reserves, at our visitor and education centres, in our offices and more.

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