Whiteknights Temperatures – Climate change
Over the past few days I have been analysing the data collected on Whiteknights campus at the meterological station for both temperature and rainfall for the past 43 years. This is a large set of...
View ArticleWhat’s up with the Rainfall?
This blog is my personal examination of the 43 year trends for rainfall on Whiteknights Campus, from 1968-2011 based on our local met station data. There have to my surprise been some interesting...
View ArticleThe Campus Lake (Part Two)
My previous post started off the list of species that can be found on the lake at Whiteknights Campus. Here is a brief description of some of the species within the family Anatidae that I saw during my...
View ArticleCampus Lake Part Three – Other Water Birds and Edge Species
The third and final part to my blogs on the bird species that can be found on the Whiteknights campus lake. Today, I am including the rest of the water birds which were sighted during the survey...
View ArticleLeaf-mining moths going conkers…
While strolling around the campus grounds, have you been wondering what’s happening to our horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Sapindaceae) trees? Are those brown leaves really showing signs of...
View ArticleSpangle leaf-manglers: Neuroterus spp.
If you’ve spent any time admiring the variety of oaks (Quercus spp.) on campus, you may have noticed strange growths on various parts of the trees. During last week’s Vegetation Survey and Assessment...
View ArticleShocking pink is back!
It was shocking pink lipstick in the 1960s. Now shocking pink fungus is appearing on our trees! Illiosporiopsis christiansenii is a bright pink fungus which grows on various lichens that are common in...
View ArticleI say, I say, I say! When is a lily not a lily? When it’s a Camassia, boom boom!
Camassia, variously known as Camas Lily, Quamash, Indian Hyacinth and Wild Hyacinth is a handsome lily-like plant native of North America and currently looking magnificent in the Harris Garden and...
View ArticleThe Hornet Hoverfly- Volucella zonaria
There is no need to be alarmed the Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) is a harmless species. Although I will admit, in its outwards appearance, if you have never seen one before or happen to see it...
View ArticleBees in the grass
Every one loves bees these days and pretty much everyone loves bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) too! The University of Reading campus is no exception and there is a small population flourishing in...
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