Episode 2.71 - Aphid Aerial Plankton and Blossoming Hawthorns

About this episode

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin discuss the impact of drought on wildlife at High Ash Farm.

Send us Fan Mail On a chilly, grey early-May morning with a brisk northerly wind and five weeks of drought at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the effects of the dry spell. Skylarks hover and sing over parched grass fields, while swallows sweep low hunting for insects. In Fox’s Grove, they examine sycamore leaves glistening with honeydew from vast colonies of green aphids — prolific breeders that provide vital “aerial plankton” for summer migrants. Chris then admi...

People in this episode

Host: Chris Skinner

Guest: Matthew Gudgin

Topics covered

• aphids
• nature
• migration
• weather effects
• agriculture

Keywords

• aphid
• aerial plankton
• skylarks
• swallows
• honeydew

Mentioned in this episode

Places: High Ash Farm, Fox’s Grove

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