Following on from the clearing of the area that Nicola started on Friday, Jon
continues to clear the area, starting with getting rid of an old tree stump that
was right in the middle of the area. While this is being removed, he uncovered a
couple of Stag Beetle larvae. Both looked well developed, suggesting they
are about to transform into the adult Beetles that we often see in the garden.
According to the website,
www.stagbeetlehelpline.co.uk, these larvae spend 4 to 5 years underground
feeding on rotten wood before emerging as adult Stag Beetles.
Above is one of the Stag Beetle larvae that was uncovered while we were clearing the
area. Both Larvae were moved to another area, out of harms way, were they
both soon burrowed back into the soil.
A good part of Saturday was taken up moving the five tonnes of top soil that
we are adding to the area.
The soil under the trees is very poor so before planting we are adding top
soils and well rotted farm yard manure to improve the soil.
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