This month’s highlights
The severe hot spells in July have dried many Heath meadows, and insects are concentrated on the bright yellow flowers of Ragwort, which is now coming into bloom. Look there as well for the striking caterpillars of Cinnabar Moth. In early August, young kestrels can be seen on meadows, learning to hunt.
Ragwort with Cinnabar Moth caterpillar 
Kestrel
Around the ponds, Purple and Yellow Loosestrife are coming into bloom and large summer dragonflies like the Brown Hawker and Emperor are foraging over water and in nearby meadows.
Purple and Yellow Loosestrife at Men’s Pond 
Emperor Dragonfly
Many waterfowl have produced new broods, including our Tufted Ducks, the only diving duck species that breeds on the Heath. In this hot weather you can spot terrapins sunning on pondside branches and platforms. Several species of alien terrapin species live on the Heath, all released from captivity, including the Yellow-bellied Slider.
Tufted Duck 
Yellow-bellied Slider
Photos by Adrian Brooker (Emperor Dragonfly, Tufted Duck), Matt Maran (Kestrel) Liz Andrew (Loosestrife) and stock photos.
Biodiversity and you – make a difference!
Acknowledgements
This year’s biodiversity interpretation boards are a collaboration between City of London, English Heritage, Heath Hands, Marylebone Birdwatching Society, London Natural History Society and Heath & Hampstead Society. Boards will change with the seasons – view them all to the left.
