Eight members of the Field Club met on a very warm 18th July at Daneway Banks, near Cirencester. This stunning 17-hectare Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust reserve sits on limestone grassland untouched by modern farming. The combination of butterflies, beautiful wildflowers, and unique landscape features make it a fascinating destination, well worth the drive.
Roger Newman led our group on a very enjoyable walk. Although the overall number of species of butterflies was rather low, there were plenty of each specie, especially higher up on the banks. Roger did a great job in helping us identify them, even though they were mostly on the wing as it was quite warm.
The wildflowers were stunning and many were still at their best. We made slow walking progress as there was always something new to see and plenty of expertise in the group to help identify.
Daneway Banks’ claim to fame is the reintroduced Large Blue. We had a tantalising sight that may have been one as we came down off the hill! However we weren’t able to confirm, so it didn’t make our species list, attached here …..
It was a great day out and we ended with lunch in the lovely Daneway Inn. [and you found some bush crickets! – Ed]
Many thanks to Roger for leading this walk and to the group members who helped with identification and made it fun.
Pete Bennion, 20th July 2024
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB 