RYDA Newsletter 08/2025
You can still see bumble bee workers even late in August (particularly the common carder bee, which lasts into September or even October), but numbers are definitely declining as the weeks pass,
and you are increasingly likely to see new queens, which are noticeably larger (although care is needed here because some bumble bee species are larger than others). One clue to identifying queens is that they are less obsessive about visiting flowers, since they only have to feed themselves rather than collecting pollen for the colony.
The same is true of male bumble bees, who are produced around this time, and lead a nomadic lifestyle, having no nest to return to. They are sometimes seen sleeping on flowers. The queens’ mate with the males and then need to find a hole to spend the winter in, so you may see them flying close to the ground: their buzzing often alerts you to their presence. All bumble bees apart from the new fertilised queens then die off in the autumn.
Honeybees live in colonies all winter - they make honey to keep themselves fed - so they can still be seen out in force wherever there is pollen and nectar for them to collect. Solitary bees overwinter as adults or as larvae, depending on species: some are still around in August.
Insects slowly become scarcer during August, as they die off, get eaten or become dormant, but the process is hard to quantify and depends somewhat on the weather. A hot sunny end to August can prolong insect lives - so long as there is not too much of a drought - while a cool, changeable one can bring them to an early end. In places where there is a good nectar source you can still get a good concentration even later in the month, however.
Bumble Bee Common Carder Bee
Close-up, many hoverflies have beautiful patterns on their bodies, some being the footballer, the marmalade and syrphus varieties. Note also the large hornet mimic hoverfly, which looks as alarming as its name suggests, but is perfectly harmless.
(Just occasionally you also see a real hornet: workers are still about at this time of year and despite their somewhat fearsome appearance, they are less likely to sting you than a wasp. If they do, however, their sting is much more painful.)
Identifying solitary bees is hard however, because many hoverflies have also evolved to look like bees - for example, the common or tapered drone fly. As the month goes on the number and variety of hoverflies definitely declines, but you can still see them occasionally right through September and even into October, depending on the weather and the nectar sources available.
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Wasps were once an exception to the general decline in insects in August, becoming a nuisance to humans eating outside, buzzing around our picnics, pub lunches or cream teas. In recent years, however, this has become alarmingly rare, with only one or two seen at a time.
The explanation for this is that these are workers, who earlier in the summer live in colonies, feeding their collective larvae on a diet of crushed insects: they in turn are fed by sweet secretions produced by the larvae. But as the summer draws to an end the young queen and male wasps fly off to mate, and the colony breaks up. The workers, now redundant, go off in search of rotting fruit, nectar and other sugar-rich foods. After this pleasant retirement, they die off when the cold weather comes in the autumn.
Flies in all their various guises reduce in number in August but if you look closely at a bramble bush covered with ripe blackberries earlier in the month you may see quite a lot of them. Cattle also continue to attract them and in general there are still fair numbers about even at the end of the month, when ivy flowers start to become a favourite food.
Likewise early in the month the air is still filled with tiny unidentifiable tiny flying insects but they become an increasingly rare sight as the month progresses. You see some on hawkbits, dandelion and other flowers, along with the occasional swarm of gnats.
In contrast to all this, there are some bugs that are only just emerging as adults in August, their parents having mated in spring and the offspring having spent the summer as larvae and then pupae. An example is the dock bug (often seen on blackberry bushes, because they like to feed on them). Towards the end of the month, they are joined by a new generation of shield bugs - for example, the green shield bug. (Right) All of these feed up in the late summer sun and then hibernate to breed next year.
You can also see the webs of sheet web spiders (left) in grassland and the funnel-like ones of labyrinth spiders, (right) as well as fearsome-looking wasp spiders, which can trap large prey such as butterflies. Later in the month you may see male house spiders patrolling your house in search of a mate. Please be nice to them, as they are quite harmless to humans, and as anxious to avoid you as you are to avoid them.
Crane flies, grasshoppers and crickets can still be found in grassland all month. You often only notice them when they jump or fly away from your feet as you walk across a field of tall grass.
Ants continue to be active above ground all month and you may see an eruption of flying ants: this is the mating ritual of the black garden ant, where the queens and males fly off to mate, after which the new queens look for somewhere to found a new colony.
Huge numbers of ants participate in these events: sometimes the cloud is so big that it can be seen on weather radar. They can appear like masses of flying seeds, or you may encounter them on a sea swim looking like lots of dead flies in the water (though if you fish them out, they are not always dead...). Being unused to the air, they are quite clumsy fliers.
There continue to be lots of spiders hidden away in grass and among plants. The early morning dew in late summer means you can see the threads money spiders make as they "balloon" - that is attach their threads to a blade of grass and then use air currents to carry them across a field. They do this in order to avoid mating with their siblings, and one field can have millions of threads.
Pond-skaters can still be found on the surface of still water, and in the general vicinity of streams or lakes you may just see a damselfly - often a common blue, though azure, blue tip and white-legged are possible. There may also be the occasional banded or beautiful demoiselle about, most likely early in the month, but sometimes later.
A new species of damselfly, first recorded in East Anglia in 2009, and now spreading across the country, is the willow emerald: it is possible all month and can fly into September and even October. Though a deep metallic green, it can seem brown in certain lights. One easy way to distinguish it from other damselflies is by its habit of holding its wings at an angle to its body when at rest.
Dragonflies continue to hunt unabated, with various species to be seen. Identifying them is difficult because they rarely stop to rest and have 360 degree vision to spot you if you try to get close.
In gardens, spider's webs become a lot more prominent as the month goes on. This is because spiders who have been growing all summer now reach adulthood and are looking to lay eggs. Female garden orb weavers (including the distinctive garden cross spiders with a cross on their back) are often the ones making these.
They are active at night, building their webs in the pre-dawn hours, and since they don't stay sticky for long, they have to be remade every day or two - a task which only takes about half an hour, the spider consuming the old web as she goes.
The large southern hawker (black and blue tail, with a green and black thorax) and the similar but smaller migrant hawker are also fairly common. The striking blue emperor, our largest dragonfly, may be seen early in the month.
But common darters seem to be particularly conspicuous at this time of year, the male with a bright red abdomen and the female more yellowy. There is also a ruddy darter, also with a red abdomen, but tapering more in the middle: it is particularly fond of woodlands.
Do you play Mahjong or interested in learning?
The YCA are looking to set up a Mahjong group where you can play or learn to play.
This will be an afternoon group, meeting in the Community Room with a small charge to cover room hire.
Please message through Facebook or email admin@yealmpton.org or call 880388.
Do you want to be involved in an exciting opportunity to help shape a South Hams-wide rally for nature?
We're working with our partners, Sustainable South Hams, to help people connect with nature and the beauty of the South Hams and in so doing increase awareness of and care for our beautiful surroundings.
The hope is that as well as creating some new events specifically for the rally, many existing projects and activities can be incorporated and promoted as part of the celebration.
Two sessions are being held at Follaton House on 15 July for anyone wanting to be involved.
- The first is for communities wanting to play a part - click here to find out more and book your place.
The second is for event providers and creatives - click here to find out more and book your place.
We've been made aware that some residents are receiving scam text messages about supposed outstanding parking fines.
- These messages may look official, but they are not from the council.
- The web addresses in the texts are fake.
- The payment amounts are often incorrect or suspicious.
Do not click on any links or provide any personal or payment details.
If you're unsure whether a message is genuine, please contact us - https://www.southhams.gov.uk/parking
Beware of parking fine text scam.
Planning
A new application just scraping in for this month is a variation to the approved plans for Northshore on Riverside Road West, for more information click the link:https://southhams.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Display/1822/25/VAR. Originally granted permission in 2023, including for the provision of an additional floor within the original roof level and footprint. Whilst this variation includes some minor changes to glazing, the main revision is the provision of Millboard ship-lap cladding to the main south elevation in sage green, instead of the existing white render and stonework. Although providing improved thermal and maintenance advantages, how will this modern material blend with the traditional construction in this conservation area?
Have your say on the future of Devon.
We need your help to shape the future of local government in Devon by letting us know what matters to you.
Newton & Noss Parish Council are holding a consultation event on Saturday 9th August from 10.00 - 7.00pm in WIC hall, Newton Ferrers
Summary of the situation:
Plymouth's Proposal:
Plymouth City Council is advocating for a unitary authority model, including a boundary review to incorporate 14 Parishes including Wembury, Brixton, Yealmpton, Newton and Noss, Holbeton etc. plus Ivybridge Town, currently within South Hams District Council. This expansion aims to strengthen Plymouth's identity and better serve its growing population.
The South Hams 1-4-5 Plan:
A joint proposal from Devon's district councils, excluding Exeter, suggests a three-unitary model, where Plymouth remains a standalone unitary authority, a new unitary is formed with South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon, and Torbay, and another includes East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge, and Exeter.
Other Options:
Exeter has also proposed its own model, potentially including up to four unitary authorities. Devon County Council is considering various options, including two or three unitary authorities, with a focus on what matters most to residents.
Local Government Reform (LGR) Context:
The government is pushing for LGR across England to simplify local government structures and create more efficient service delivery.
The Timeline:
Final proposals for LGR in Devon are due to the government by November 2025.
Public Consultation:
Various councils are currently seeking input from residents, businesses, and local groups to shape their final proposals. For example, North Devon Council is running a survey until August 11, 2025. Plymouth CC are running consultations across the South Hams southwest parishes and have already held one in Noss.
In the interest of informing members while remaining neutral.
https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southhams.gov.uk%2Fnews%2F2025%2Fhave-your-say-future-devon&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd277ac64e5f7493c98cd08ddc1582558%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638879306497173870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IPofkvxn0BNIsUNrL392LDOrRrt6f4ecIMKL3Z8mBmQ%3D&reserved=0
Whats On?
5th August 10.00 - 12. 00 Parish Council Surgery in the Post Office
5th August first Tuesday Lunch Club WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
Zoolab
Could you handle a giant slimy snail?
Would you tickle a tarantula?
Here's an opportunity to get up close with some exotic creatures with ZooLab, the "UK's #1 for ethical animal encounters"!
ZooLab are providing four interactive sessions in libraries over the summer holidays, giving children the chance to learn about fascinating creatures and possibly handle some of them too!
Spaces are limited so booking via Eventbrite is essential.
Wednesday 6 August, 10.30am at Central Library
Wednesday 6 August, 1.30pm at Plymstock Library
8th August Holbeton Film Club is showing “Oranges & Sunshine”.
Set in 1980s Nottingham, social worker Margaret Humphreys holds the British government accountable for child migration schemes and reunites the children involved -- now adults living mostly in Australia -- with their parents in Britain.
Doors open at 7pm. You'll be given a warm welcome when you arrive and can spend some time chatting to friends before the lights go down at 7:30pm. We charge just £4 (£2 for children under 12) - terrific value for such a great evening of entertainment.
You are welcome to bring your own alcohol if you wish, or you can treat yourself to one of our fabulous chocolate-covered ice creams!
Newton & Noss Parish Council are holding a consultation event on Saturday 9th August from 10.00 - 7.00pm in WIC hall, Newton Ferrers regarding the proposed changes to Local Government reorganisation
9th August Regatta rowing finals 5.00pm and Fireworks 9.00pm
Summer Reading Challenge
We have exciting news! From Saturday 12 July, children can join the Summer Reading Challenge at any Plymouth Library. This year's theme is Story Garden, and we have lots of free creative activities planned.
Aimed at 4 to 11 year olds, the Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to read at least six library books (including eBooks and eAudiobooks) during the summer holidays. Children will receive a booklet to keep track of their progress.
All children who complete the challenge will receive a medal and a certificate. They will also be entered into a prize draw, for the chance to win a bundle of creative prizes.
Summer holiday activities
We have plenty of fun activities and events happening in Plymouth Libraries this summer:
- Decorate and grow a grass head character
- Bird mosaic hangers
- Story Garden themed craft activities
- Wonderweeds with Claire Brown
- More activities being added soon!
Visit our activities and events calendar with the Plymouth Libraries app or visit our website to find activity sessions happening at a library near you.
13th August 13.00 Extreme Rockpool Safari
Join our Devon Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers for an extreme rockpool safari!
Adult £7.50
Child £7.50
Join us on an extremely low tide to explore Wembury’s most amazing rockpools, rarely uncovered by the tide!
Suitable for children 7+ and all children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
This event will involve walking a good distance over very slippery seaweed covered rocks and in deeper rockpools.
16thAugust & 30thAugust RNLI Souvenirs on Newton Hill 9.00-13.00
24-25thAugust RNLI Art sale WIC hall 10.00- 16.00
18th August Stream Dipping Event by National Trust South Devon Countryside
Wembury Marine Centre. 10.00 -11.30
Come along to discover the minibeasts which live in Wembury stream. National Trust staff will be on hand to show you what to do and help to identify the creatures you find. For further information and to book your spot please go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/wembury/events.
There is NO Thursday Lunch Club in August
Save the Date
11th September Adults Snorkel Safari. 13.00
Join the Devon Wildlife Trust snorkel team for an adults only underwater tour of stunning Wembury Bay!
Our fully qualified BSAC Snorkel Instructors will cover basic snorkelling techniques, followed by a guided snorkel around Wembury Bay's famous rocky reefs, searching for and identifying underwater marine life as we go! We always follow our Seashore Code ethos of enjoying and respecting marine life through observation without disturbing.
Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../adult-snorkel-safari...
£30/Adult
21st September guided rockpool safari
Event by Wembury Marine Centre
Church Road, PL9 0HP Wembury, United Kingdom
Join our Devon Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers for a guided tour of some of the best rockpools in the UK!
Our expert team will take you on a guided rockpool safari to meet and learn about some of Wembury's most famous inhabitants, from crabs to starfish and everything in between!
This event is open to all ages, but all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please wear wellington boots or other suitable sturdy shoes which can get wet and please leave your rockpool nets at home, as we follow the Seashore Code and use our hands and buckets instead (tubs provided).
£5.50 Adult
£5.50 Child