CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 18th June 2014
The Holies (NT), Streatley ~ Ragwort and thistle control

This was our first visit to the site at least in recent years. The land belongs to the National Trust who requested our help, and in part has SSSI status. It consists mainly of chalk grassland. It was a beautiful summer's day with blue sky, white cloud and sufficient breeze to keep the temperature reasonable.

After an initial clamber up the steep hill side, we spread out in a line working across the slope seeking out our quarry.

As we worked our way across the ground there was much to be seen .....

..... such as this mullein moth caterpillar .....

..... and these orchids.

A pyramidal orchid.

By midday one side of the valley which constituted the meadow had been cleared. After a leisurely lunch spent enjoying the view and discussing whether it really was Basingstoke that could be seen on the distant horizon, we set off down the other side of the meadow.

Here it seemed more butterflies were to be seen .....

..... like this marbled white.

A great green bush cricket.

Highlight of the day for some, this bee orchid discovered by Judith as the task approached its end.

Thanks as ever to all the volunteers who joined us for an interesting and enjoyable day, Trish, Terry, Peter, both Mike's, Marcus, Judith, John, Hannah, Chris, Barry and Alan.

Created: Friday, 20th June 2014
Photographs: Hannah Graves