Wildflower walk

10 July 2025

On a rather warm day, under Vivien's tutelage, we ascended Chapel Hill, noting the many species of wildflowers growing at the edge of the road and in the banks. At the top, we proceeded into the Southerham reservation and were somewhat taken aback by the lack of flowers, because of the prolonged dry spell, in an area normally covered with many species. Nevertheless we did clock 61 species of wildflowers as well as nine species of butterfly: marbled white, large white, small white, meadow brown, gatekeeper, red admiral, brimstone, peacock and common blue. There were many 6-spot burnet moths feasting on knapweed and scabious, and cinnabar moth caterpillars were chewing their way through ragwort plants. The seven participants thoroughly enjoyed the stroll in the sunshine, the Downs looked glorious and a drink at the Golf Course at the end of the walk provided a welcome conclusion.

Interesting cloud formation above the group enjoying the sunshine
Six-spot burnet on scabious

 

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