Bat Evening at Snipe Dales

LAG FIELD TRIP TO CHAMBERS FARM WOOD SATURDAY 23 JULY 2016

It was hot but whilst we may have wilted at times the wildflowers looked fresh and the butterflies and bees were very busy collecting nectar and doing an excellent job of pollination. A dozen of us arrived at the car park where we renewed our acquaintance with Audrey and John Spring. They had given us an excellent presentation about the site last February.

We started our very leisurely stroll in the main garden which is full of tall flowers that are particularly attractive to butterflies and moths. Yellow loosestrife and Hemp agrimony flanked the entrance gate. The garden path led onto beds of Fleabane, Meadow sweet, Thyme, Salvia, Viper’s-bugloss and many others. Golden rod had spread somewhat but the bees were loving it. Two Alder buckthorn trees had been planted; the Brimstone butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves.

We progressed into the adjacent meadow and pushed our way through knee deep grass and flowers. We were straggled out in a long line so we all saw different things. However, we all saw Large white, Ringlet and Large skipper butterflies and a Silver Y moth. Some of us saw, Comma and Peacock butterflies as well.

Back to the car park for another bottle of water and a meander through the cool, shady woods to Stubbs meadow. On the way I was delighted to learn from Avril the name of a wispy but pretty flower at the side of the path. It was Enchanter’s nightshade – you could write a wonderful fairy story with such a title! More flowers in profusion; Scabious, Burnet and Purple loosestrife with Club rush, Hoary plantain and Curly leaved dock on the wetter areas. As we left the meadow we caught a glimpse of White admiral butterflies amongst the leaves of the Lime trees.  Jane and Judith were snapping away and have loaded our Facebook page with wonderful pictures. Do have a look and enjoy this summer weather. Ray W