A hummingbird hawk moth and a purple flower. — ©️ Anne Rowe

Late summer & early autumn on Hothfield Heathlands

17th September 2026

Margery Thomas, volunteer, has been writing articles about Hothfield Heathlands' flora and fauna since 2016. In this month's article, she reflects on some of August's sightings and recent updates.

August sightings on Hothfield Heathlands

August sightings include labyrinth spiders, hummingbird hawk moth, jersey tiger moth, clouded yellow and a vibrant pink meadow grasshopper, the pink colouring caused by a rare genetic condition, erythrism, affecting females more often than males. The large circular webs of wasp spiders have been obvious; the spiders have black white and yellow striped abdomens, and can be seen wrapping their prey in silk before giving it a fatal venomous bite. Area Warden Will Glasson filmed a wasp killing and beheading a grasshopper, to feed larvae in a nest. David Rayner reminded us that the narrow digestive tract of wasps is designed for liquids only – nectar, honey dew, jam, coca-cola…

Other updates from the reserve

The pigs came on site briefly, but due to the drought in August, had to be removed. Without muddy pools to wallow in, pigs’ skin can get badly damage in this hot weather. Our Highland cattle have been replaced by a herd of Dexter cattle, a short-haired black breed, with little horns. The volunteers have worked carefully but steadily through the very hot days, prioritising bracken scything to weaken it, plus brush cutting, tree popping and installing or mending fences and gates. A volunteer commented ‘Huge amount of work in some serious heat’.

Margery Thomas, KWT volunteer

Wildfires are devastating for healthy heathlands, damaging the entire ecosystem. We grieve for the habitats already damaged across the country this summer. Please continue to take great care of this wonderful wildlife reserve through September: as ever, no bonfires or barbecues, no cigarette butts, no littering (particularly glass or disposable vapes). Thank you!

Ian Rickards, KWT Area Manager