September: A Monthly Muse

September marks the transition from late summer to early autumn, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days.

Things to look out for this month:

Hedgerows bursting with blackberries, elderberries, rose hips and sloes, while hazelnuts and acorns begin to fall. On the woodland floor, mushrooms and toadstools appear as the soil stays warm and damp. Here's 5 things to forage this month.

Swallows and house martins gathering before their journey south to Africa, and wading birds beginning to arrive at wetlands and estuaries.

Squirrels, dormice & jays collecting nuts for winter, and hedgehogs feasting on invertebrates to build up their fat reserves before hibernation.

Late-flying butterflies such as the Speckled Wood making the most of the remaining sunny days.