by Tony Long

In spite of an indifferent weather forecast, 15 members and guests turned out to walk on this mixed habitat reserve which is owned and managed by English Nature. The weather performed much better than the forecast suggested that it might and we never had more than a few spots of rain. Certainly not enough to warrant wearing waterproof clothing, except perhaps against a slight wind. The day soon warmed up and by mid-afternoon, we were rewarded with some nice blue sky and warm sunshine. The butterflies mirrored the weather and improved as the day progressed.

There were a few Meadow Browns on the two meadows that we had to cross to get to the heathland. Here, in spite of cold damp conditions, we found good numbers of Silver-studded Blue and a few Small Heath. Turning off of the heath and into a field of thistles there were Marbled White, Small Skipper and plenty of 5 Spot Burnet and Cinnabar moths. Here too, we found the remains of Southern Marsh Orchids, Purple Loosestrife and Bog Pimpernel. On the walk back to the cars, a Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell and Gatekeeper were found.

After lunch, only nine resumed the walk along a track that used to be an old railway line. This was between high hedges giving plenty of shelter from the wind and with the day warming up from occasional sunny spells, the butterflies improved. There was a good mix of both Large and Small Skipper, occasional Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, some Comma, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood and plenty more Meadow Brown and Small Heath. At the end of the track we did another loop round some heathland and found our one and only Grayling of the day.

There were also more interesting plants including Dodder, Bog Asphodel, Sundew and Vipers Bugloss. Dragonflies included Golden Ringed and Emerald and some Large Red Damselflies. Apart from the moths already mentioned there were also several Silver Y and Grass Veneer, a Common Wave and a Purple-bordered Gold.

We were accompanied on the walk by Tom Beal and his wife Margaret who had farmed the land which is now the nature reserve until it was taken over by English Nature in 2002 and opened to the public just over a year ago. They were most helpful in choosing a good route to see the best of the wildlife that the reserve has to offer and we are very grateful to them. After an uncertain start, we all had a very enjoyable day.