Nature Trail - Board 8

The grass in front of the trees is left unmown to provide habitat for small invertebrates, mammals and amphibians. Nettles and thistles are deliberately grown here as food for caterpillars. On the trees at the back you will see nest boxes we provide for the birds.

Thistle

Thistles are a familiar sight in Lancashire’s landscapes. These prickly wildflowers offer surprising beauty and ecological value! Look for the Spear Thistle’s towering purple flower spikes along roadsides and fields in the summer months. The less common Woolly Thistle sports distinctive round, cottony flowerheads on chalky grasslands. Thistle flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees who feed from them and spread their pollen, and their fluffy seeds provide food for birds. While their spines might be off-putting, thistles remind us of the resilience and hidden charms of wild plants. Did you know – the Thistle is also the symbol of Scotland?

Nettle

he Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a familiar sight along Lancashire trails. Its serrated leaves and fine stinging hairs deliver a surprising jolt! But look beyond the sting:

• Wildlife Haven: Nettle patches are vital for butterflies like the Red Admiral and Peacock, whose caterpillars rely on them for food.
• Traditional Uses: Nettle has been used in teas, soups, and even cloth-making for centuries.
• Resilient Beauty: Nettles thrive in disturbed areas, showcasing nature’s ability to adapt.

Admire nettles from a distance, and appreciate their role in Lancashire’s ecosystem!

Caterpillar

Caterpillars are everywhere in Lancashire! These voracious larvae are the young stages of moths and butterflies, busy munching their way towards their spectacular transformation! Look for them on leaves and plants, each species with its own unique colours and patterns. Some caterpillars, like the brightly striped Cinnabar moth, are easy to spot. Others, like the twig-mimicking Winter moth, are masters of disguise. Remember, take care around these tiny creatures – they’re essential for a healthy ecosystem!

Bug Hotel

Welcome to our special bug hotel! Built in 2018 from recycled bricks and stones, this snug shelter offers a safe home for insects like ladybugs, bees, and beetles. These tiny creatures are garden heroes, pollinating flowers, keeping pests in check, and helping plants thrive.

Why are Bug Hotels important?

• Insect Populations: Many bugs are struggling across the country! Bug hotels provide a place they can nest and survive.
• Our Ecosystem: A healthy environment needs a balance of creatures, big and small! At Moss Wood we do our best to provide a natural environment for all of our native wildlife big and small – but sometimes a little artificial help can go a long way to boost our ecosystem!

Stop and investigate, you might just see our hardworking little bug-friends in action!