National Parks UK, home
It’s the Autumn Equinox 🍂

Our National Parks are always changing in time with the rhythm of nature, but this becomes particularly noticeable when autumn arrives.

Deer begin to rut, spiders’ cobwebs glisten in the fresh light, fungi become more prominent, and leaves begin to change colour.

What changes have you noticed so far? 🧡

#Autumn #AutumnEquinox #NationalParks
Autumn brings some unusual visitors to the @newforestnpa 🐷🍂

As the leaves turn and acorns begin to carpet the Forest floor, you might spot a few more snouts among the trees.

Each autumn, New Forest Commoners exercise an ancient right known as pannage – turning their pigs out to forage for fallen acorns, beech mast and other natural foods that might be harmful to other grazing animals.

It’s a tradition that has been part of life in the New Forest for many years. Just like many of our Parks, it shows how these landscapes are shaped by history and the unique ways of working that protect the environment. 

📸This beautiful photograph was captured by @hang_ross76. 

#NewForestPigs #Autumn #NewForest
🍂 Autumn is creeping in, and the nights are slowly drawing in around us. But darkness isn’t just something we notice. For countless bugs, it’s essential.

Two-thirds of invertebrates are partially or wholly nocturnal, relying on the natural rhythm of night and day to feed, move, reproduce and survive. Yet increasing light pollution is disrupting this vital nighttime world. 🐜

September is an active time for bugs - spiders seek shelter, wasp colonies reach their peak size, and many are migrating or laying overwintering eggs. 

Our National Parks are home to some of the UK’s darkest skies and important habitats where we can protect the darkness that bugs depend on. 

Together, we can help even the smallest of species to thrive.

Clips via @buglife_ict 
1 & 2: Moth © Patrick Chadwick
3: Running Crab Spider © Patrick Chadwick
4: Millipede © Patrick Chadwick
5: Common glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) © Kristian Pikner
6 & 7: Ringlet butterfly roosting © Patrick Chadwick
8: Wasp © Patrick Chadwick

#BugLife #DarkSkies #NationalParks