CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 3rd August 2016
The Holies (NT), Streatley ~ Ragwort and thistle clearance

Our second visit of the year primarily to clear ragwort. The bulk of the ragwort had been cleared and only scattered plants remained and whilst trudging across the steep slopes of this site seeking out the occasional plant might seem mundane on a pleasant summer's day the variety of plants and insects to be seen, some seldom found elsewhere, more than compensates.

Ragwort, Carline Thistle, Teasel, .....

..... Marjoram, Field Scabious (or Gypsy Rose), and others.

For those who remember those nature study classes on the distribution of seed, a novel variation.

Butterflies seen included Brimstone above, Painted Lady, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Chalk Hill Blue, Small Heath, Common Blue, Marbled White and Small White.

Herd of Belted Galloway cattle from top of slope in adjacent field.

Greater Knapweed.

Woolly thistle.

Great Green Bush Cricket .....

By the time the task drew to a close we had removed an impressive amount of ragwort filling the back of the truck.

The cattle took little notice as we departed.

Created: Thursday, 4th August 2016
Photographs: Alan Stevens