We went to Edmondsham for a walk through the woodland and wildflower meadow, there was hundreds of butterflies fluttering around particularly on the bramble along the edge of the meadows. The large number of butterflies was the Gatekeeper, I have never seen so many of these butterflies before and I have visited these meadows now for twenty-one years. I say meadows in the plural, there has always been one wildflower meadow but it appears that another, a field that we walk through on our way back to the car is slowly becoming a wildflower meadow, it has taken years to go from purely grass to a wildflower meadow. I hope that is the case as we have lost so many wildflower meadows throughout the UK, 90% I believe. I have visited a few wildflower meadows in Dorset and when you see them and see them at different stages of flowering it makes you realise what we have lost, such treasures that are pricless.
This is my captured moment, a hoverfly hovering near the flowers of Yarrow
This meadow is dominated by the Betony
Betony
Gatekeeper, hundreds of these, they are having one of their best years
Silver-washed Fritillary, I think these are having a good year, I saw four of these today
Marbled White
Skipper, not sure which, not often see these at this meadow, saw two today
4 comments:
Super images, Linda, particularly of the butterflies. I don't think I've ever seen a Silver-washed Fritillary in UK!
I share your concerns about the loss of flower meadows. Even open grasslands are being eroded, perticularly in this area. We're in what is referred to as the Heart of the National Forest, which seems to mean that every bit of land that's not being used has to be planted with trees. Absolute insanity!! We're desperately short of grassland round here.
Have a good week - - - - Richard
A really good selection Lyn.
I will have to put that place on my places to visit when we move hopefully to Dorset one day.
Thankyou Richard and Roy.
Beautiful photos! :)
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