COMMUNITY NEWS
Light at the end of the tunnel… As I write this lockdown 3 has just been announced and some may find it harder this time around not being able to enjoy the warm temperatures that we were fortunate to have during last spring’s lockdown. With shorter and darker days, light and colour seem to be the tonic to boost our sense of wellbeing with many choosing to leave Christmas lights on. Nature can also provide us with light and colour. I know just being outdoors on a crisp, sunny day watching wildlife makes me feel good. Whilst checking our reptile monitoring mats at Burrator late September, I found a glow-worm larva under one mat. I haven’t seen a glow-worm for years, so was very excited to discover that they are present at Burrator. Did you know that glow-worms aren’t actually worms but beetles! The larvae can live for 1-2 years paralysing small snails with a toxic bite and then sucking them out. However, once they reach adulthood they don’t survive very long (just to breed) as they can’t feed. During June and July, the adult females emit a bright glow to attract males, so this summer I’ll be out at night searching for nature’s light beacons. For me, colour during the darker winter months can be uplifting too. I’m never one for plain white walls - I have to have colour around me. Animals also use colour as warning, attracting a mate, or as camouflage. Even the smallest of creatures can be colourful. Whilst walking an
area of cleared conifer at Burrator in early October, a brightly coloured beetle clinging to a thistle flower head caught my eye; the black and orange stripes were quite striking - it was a Common Sexton beetle. It inspired me to find out more about this species – often described as the ‘undertaker’ of the animal kingdom. Male and female are attracted by the smell of a decaying animal, pairing up at a carcass (usually a mouse or small bird) to bury the dead body and then the female will lay her eggs on or beside the buried body enabling their larvae to feed off the corpse. Fascinating! Spring is just around the corner, when willow and blackthorn will begin to blossom attracting pollinators looking for an early nectar source, and primroses and violets will emerge bringing colour back to our landscape. Stay positive and look for opportunities in nature to uplift and inspire. Deborah Deveney Burrator Biodiversity Officer, South West Lakes Trust
You don’t need to leave your home to move in with your family, go into residential care or lose your independence. Santé Care at Home live-in carers will provide companionship, personal care and housekeeping to allow you to carry on living the life you want.
l g al in w rv orn y Se , C rre n u vo S De &
Are you finding it difficult to manage on your own at home?
Our Live-In Carer Service is the real alternative to residential care
Santé Care at Home
live-in care service is designed for home-loving and independent-minded people like you... To find how we can help you stay at home, call us today
01822 855590 / 07413 531000 www.santecareathome.co.uk • info@santecareathome.co.uk • Located in Yelverton See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
23
