Look Wild: Wonderful Wildlife in Exmoor

Our frogspawn is all hatched and transformed into wriggling tadpoles and we’ve got some great iNaturalist observations of where the frogspawn was found.  This is really valuable data for us. Not just because it gives us great data on the changing climate by comparing when frogspawn is being laid over multiple years. But the location data also highlights important wetland areas being used by these creatures. These are important to look after, not only for frogs themselves but a whole variety of animals which benefit from these areas. Animals use these areas directly for breeding grounds and habitats and also make use of them as part of their food chain. Frogs are a favourite food source for otters and many birds will also be using these areas.

Somewhat easier to record and capture are wild flowers, they move a lot less, but it’s still helpful to get as much detail as possible. Try taking photos from different angles, and if you can a few close ups. Remember to record not just the flower, but the leaves, stem and overall shape of the plant as well.  All these features together can help get a definitive identification. Now is the perfect time to learn about and record all the beautiful flowers in bloom.