09-09-2023
Clouded Yellow (2)
Brimstone (1)
Large White (1)
Small White (5)
Green-veined White (2)
Small Copper (18)
Brown Argus (1)
Common Blue (15)
Adonis Blue (11)
Red Admiral (3)
Painted Lady (1)
Speckled Wood (2)
Meadow Brown (27)
Small Heath (63)
10.00 - 13.00. My first visit to this NNR. Two extensive for a single visit, especially on a hot day. Also, had to avoid a - what's the collective noun for a group of bullocks? A threaten maybe? Let's go with that - had to avoid a threaten of bullocks who spotted me from the opposite end of the valley and started moving towards me, purposefully. Headed to the top of the slope and out of eye-line and managed to evade them, thankfully. Area very interesting, and will visit again next spring, I reckon. Has anyone studied the impact of pheasants and partridges on insect populations? A ridiculous number seen, they are being intensively bred in the surrounding areas. Can't be good, I reckon. I always worry about the numbers in areas adjacent to Bentley Wood, and I wonder if the number in the area of Grovely where the Pearl Borders were once present had anything to do with their decline. Bit numbers there are nothing compared to this area. On a positive note, PL seen was very fresh, and 2 ClY and a SC seen simultaneously zig-zagging after one another in the Church Bottom area. And it was good to still experience the scent of herb-rich fauna underfoot as I explored some of the slopes, given the lateness of the date.
Simon Crampin