Into the meadows where I’m greeted with Bird Vetch adorned with purple flowers, clambering over Bramble in smothered in pale pink blossom. Competing for climbing space Field Bindweed also scrambles up neighbouring plants. Already butterflies are flutters in all directions my attention on a group of Gate Keepers swirling above the long grass as they chase each other.
A beautiful sunny day, with the temperature a comfortable 17 degrees for now. South field in a patch work of colour and life, the low hum of crickets in the grass, and the constant sway of the grass make for a pleasant walk through the meadow. a blur of red wings pulls my attention to a Six Spot Burnet Moth, the red spots blending into one as it beats its wings feverishly. Another rests (pardon the pun) on Rest Harrow nearby, the pale pink flower making the mostly black moth standout.
Through to south field and to taskers and the meadow to search for Katies supposed giant Bee Orchids, though no such luck in finding them. though I do get to enjoy hundreds of butterflies. Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, and Skippers galore. A practically wonderful looking Painted Lady poses on a Greater Knap Weed along the verges. I’m also introduced to some other residence of the paddock after trapsing through the long grass, I look down at my legs to see 4 Ticks making their way up my legs, the little blood suckers are swiftly given their eviction notice. If you’re heading out through the meadows give yourself a tick check when you get home, they seem to more about this year.
Red Barista and Lady’s Bedstraw sway gently in the breeze along the edges of the path as I head through Saxon. A Soldier Beetle sits atop a Wild Carrot the bright orange shiny body catching the mornings sun. the twinkling sound of Goldfinch wafts from a nearby tree with a couple of the birds making an appearance over head as they fly by.
Skylarks chase each other through the sky in Oxeye, while a Kestrel silently soars past. A lone Chaffinch hops along the exposed drystone wall occasionally stopping to peck at the seed heads of tall grasses lolling over the wall.
Heading back to the centre through the south side of Saxon, two Stone Chats stand atop a Blackthorn path and sing their scratchy song.