Our summer has been long, hot and dry in the UK. Unusually so.

I was on the golf course recently and saw this Green Woodpecker hunting for food in the dry, hard earth. It looked okay but the colour of its’ plumage was less distinct that usual. It made me realise that the bird was probably also struggling due to this long, hot and dry time.

The grass had long given up much shading of green so it is not the quality of the picture that makes the plumage look less bright.

The ground would usually be softer to dig up grubs on which to feed. I am sure that there would have been a more plentiful supply too. There has been far less visible sign of insects. The wasps that normally abound near ripe fruit on the trees are not there. The ants on the patio are far fewer than last year. Flies seem less present, albeit dragon and nymph flies are around. The car windscreen has few ‘hits’ too.

Parts of the UK are subject to hosepipe bans which most people will respect. Water levels are much lower than usual for this time of year in the rivers and reservoirs. In many parts of the world this is typical but from a country where the topic of conversation is often the weather, it is concerning.

Climate change is obviously mentioned, with events in other parts of the world making us realise just how much damage we are doing to our amazing planet. This is not an article on the devastating impact of deforestation, population growth and so much more…it is more about what we notice and what we value, brought into sharp focus when things change.

Our absence of rain to keep things growing has been significant. I have heard the comment that water is taken for granted so is seen as valueless…yet priceless when in short supply. In other parts of the world, I have heard the unusual term ‘white oil’ used, indicating the value compared with the black oil; or another term, ‘white gold’. This all comes back to when we have a supply of something it can be taken for granted. It is only when that supply is not there, or is restricted, that the value is recognised.

For example, the hosepipe bans already mentioned are a reminder of a supply taken for granted. It maybe the shortage, or absence, of some food. The sudden increase in price for fuel. Something tips the balance and we notice, usually too late to enable a quick change to be made to restore things.

I was also thinking that sometimes another person may be taken for granted. Or, indeed, ourselves taken for granted by others, yet only when something changes the preciousness of the relationship is acknowledged, valued…hopefully remarked upon in an appreciative way!

I also noticed that the woodpecker was being far more brazen than is usual. I guess, the need for food had increased and the attention being paid to the few noises was more important.

I am sure the grass will return to green. I hope the woodpecker finds food so next year we still have the joy of these wonderful creatures.

My best wishes,

Peter