February 2023

Albedo (Latin for whiteness) is a term used in science to describe the amount of light from the sun that is reflected back into space. Namely, by clouds, snow, ice and anything white on the planet surface. In other words, the more light is reflected, the cooler the planet will be. For example, a white car, or any other white object, will reflect a little of the sun’s rays, and be more visible than a dark colour, and also have a minute beneficial effect on global warming. Many animals have dark areas on their bodies to absorb light from the sun to keep them warm. It is not only humans that like to sun-bathe. As the days lengthen and the sun gets higher in the sky, many animals will sun themselves to get warm. Look out for birds doing it, also, reptiles and insects such as bumble bees.

Less light is reflected into space as polar ice and snow diminish. We should expect another hot summer this year. A good way to prevent drought affecting your garden is to install water butts to catch any rain that does fall. South-East Water Company often have offers to supply water butts at a subsidised price. Also, plant a tree, but make sure it is at least 7 metres from the house. I planted several trees in my Uckfield garden when we moved to our current house in 1987, now, the largest, a sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is about 10 metres tall and shades parts of the garden, absorbs CO2 and is a magnet for insects, birds and squirrels.

I had a camera ‘trap’ for my birthday this year, so I set it up in my garden to record moving animals. It has an infra-red light and camera that is triggered by movement, day or night. The camera also has a solar panel on the top to charge its internal batteries in daylight. With this camera, I have discovered that there is a wonderful healthy fox visiting our garden almost every night. The camera also records animal sounds. Other animals recorded and filmed includes humans, cats, squirrels and birds.

It has become increasingly important for us to understand, conserve and live with the rich and vital biodiversity that lives around us. Human populations are increasing and we are invading more of the natural world that we depend on. I have found it very rewarding to observe and study the natural world around me. Unless we understand it we cannot value it.