Asthall Circular Walk, Sunday 15th September 2024
John Baker writes:
Led by Maggie Collins, this was a well attended walk which took us through one of our most beautiful and familiar rolling landscapes. The threatened rain faded quickly and we were interested to note that in spite of the invasion of customers for the newly opened Jeremy Clarkson pub, on the A40 above Asthall, the peace of the surrounding countryside had not been spoilt.
A wide selection of plants was recorded and the hedgerows were full of
autumn’s harvest.
Some plants had to be identified by seed heads, for example the wild liquorice, whose yellow summer flowers had long since passed. The hoped-for autumn gentians were certainly “over”.
Elaine Steane made an interesting contribution referencing her book on “The Roman Way” and told us how the route of Akeman Street ran through Asthall and much of the area we walked.
The species list can be found here.
A leisurely and interesting afternoon ramble.
John Baker
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB 