We all love a Winter Scrub Bash with the knowledge that the work we are doing is going to directly benefit wildlife but it can be a shame if we don’t get to visit in the Summer to take a look at what’s about! So we are even more thankful to Gary Beckett (Conservation Officer) and his Commanding Officer at MOD Bicester who welcomed us back on Saturday 13th July for a Bird and Butterfly Wildlife Walk. We invited volunteers who had previously worked on the site to join us, along with guests from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment who have funded this important project for the last few years. Thanks go to Paul Watts for a fascinating and informative bird-ringing demonstration (we got up close with a Black Cap, Dunnock and Willow Warbler) and to Nick Bowles from Butterfly Conservation Upper Thames branch who led us on a butterfly walk around the site. We saw at least at least 10 different species of butterfly and day-flying moth; including a Painted Lady, a fleeting glimpse of Purple Emperor and the definite highlight of the day… numerous sightings of Purple Hairstreak – a stunning creature.Steph (Ranger)
Recent Comments