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Nature watch: July
Observe the passage of adders, smooth snakes, sand lizards through heathland
Out on the heathlands of southern Britain the sultry weather brings out the adder – it needs warmth to kick-start its sluggish metabolism, as does the non-venomous smooth snake and the endangered sand lizard. A more common sight are tiger beetles – emerald-green carnivores with fierce jaws – and grayling butterflies whose colours blend with the paths on which they bask; they settle with their wings folded, then keel over, reducing their shadow, so making themselves even less conspicuous. The open heaths of the New Forest are a favourite haunt of the hobby, a summer visitor from Africa. This dashing little falcon catches and eats dragonflies on the wing. And as dusk falls, another African migrant adds its voice to the scene: the nightjar with its purring cry. Brian Jackman
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In this month's issue of...
- A sense of style: 50 great decorating ideas to create the country cottage look, plus win £40,000 to transform your home
- Going, going gone! Bidding for bygones at a rural auction
- Comfort food: celebrate Bonfire Night with soups, chestnuts & homemade sausages
- Champions of the crafts: meet the Artisan Awards winners















