This morning's walk over to Rodborough Common produced many sightings of Bee Orchids including about ten on Rodborough itself, but also twenty just at the end of Windmill Road, at the north end of the area used as a rugby pitch in the winter season. We regularly look out for Bee orchids in this location and usually find them in good numbers. A number of other locations where we usually expect to see examples have been disappointing this year, however. We have been compensated by finding spikes in other unexpected locations.
A brief visit today to Daneway Banks on a balmy afternoon produced some good butterflies including a Marbled White getting frisky with a Small Heath, several newly emerged Large Blues on Wild Thyme, Painted Lady and a less than fresh Green Hairstreak.
Good to see this weekend on the lower slopes at Pinfarthings both Little Blues and Adonis Blues; both looked fresh and there were quite a few Little Blues.
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This is an excellent short walk devised by Tony Metcalfe which, having plenty of shade, is ideal for a sunny day in May. At this time it also has the promise of seeing the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly, and also butterfly orchids, on Strawberry Banks nature reserve. The total length is about 5.3 km (about 3 miles) with a modest amount of climbing up to the top of Strawberry Banks.
This walk passes through Strawberry Banks nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and has open access at all times. The fields, surrounded by woodland, are Oolitic Limestone grasslands supporting a stunning variety of flora and fauna. During our brief visit the Early Purple orchid, Greater Butterfly orchid, Common Spotted orchid, Wild Columbine, Common Rockrose, Milkwort and Sainfoin providing vivid splashes of colour throughout the grassland. Strawberry Banks is a local hot spot for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly and judging by the number of photographers there, one of the most photographed. Marsh Fritillaries breed in the same patch year on year. They are found on the wing from mid May to early June with the males emerging first. The male is usually smaller than the female and slightly darker, although the colour of both sexes can vary from bright to dull and pale to dark. This was very evident during our visit. The food plant for the caterpillars is Devil's-bit Scabious and the female prefers those growing in a warm sunny position to lay her eggs on.
Strawberry Banks is the highlight of the walk but the woodlands and the pathway running between the river and canal offer many delights, Dippers skimming over the water or bobbing up and down when perched to the slanting sunlight through the fresh green leaves. Enjoy nature at it's best.
Marsh Fritillary at Strawberry Banks |
Sainfoin, Strawberry Banks |
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