We last visited this site in May 2018 so it was a pleasure to be welcomed back by Alwin Knowles, who gave us an interesting introduction to its history having been formed as a private reserve in 1973. It comprises approximately 32 acres on the west bank of the River Ure and is a mixture of woodland with open clearings and ponds, which provide a broad range of habitats. We were then given free rein by Alwin to explore at leisure having been given detailed information about layout, pathways and potential areas of interest. The forecast for the day was showery so we initially took advantage of a sunny morning to head for the pond area hoping to see dragonflies - and we did - in abundance. There were numerous brown hawkers on the wing, which were an absolute delight, but we were also able to see southern hawker, common darter and black-tailed skimmer. Common blue and blue-tailed damselflies were also on the wing as were banded demoiselles.
John's lures were put to good use in attracting both red-tipped clearwings, of which there were a good number, and lunar hornet moth. 13 species of butterfly were seen, these being meadow brown, ringlet, speckled wood, gatekeeper, green-veined white, comma, peacock, red admiral, brimstone, small tortoiseshell, small copper, small white and silver-washed fritillary. Mint moths were also in evidence. Contact calls of chiffchaffs could be heard throughout the reserve and excellent pictures of a kingfisher were captured by Sue. In all 20 bird species were seen but a personal highlight for me was both hearing and seeing a green woodpecker flying overhead near the ponds.
Alice recorded over 100 species in flower. The meadowsweet and yellow loosestrife looked stunning together but I was particularly taken with the number and colour of the clustered bellflower, such a beautiful flower. 3 species of St John's wort were identified (perforate, hairy and imperforate) as well as 4 herbs - wild thyme and basil, marjoram and wood sage. Fen bedstraw was seen and Amanda took time out to draw to my attention Robin's pincushion, which I had not noted before. This is a round, hairy growth caused by the larva of a tiny gall wasp that feeds on its host plant, in this case burnet rose, which is becoming widespread in certain areas of the reserve.
As our visit drew to a close there was one final surprise for John. Gillian spotted a moth resting on a teasel near the car park. This was not just any moth but a lifetime first for John - a dusky sallow. His day was made! Our thanks to Alwin for hosting us. A reserve that has so much to offer. Credit must go to all the volunteers that obviously put in so much work to create what they have. We will be back. Many thanks also to Julia for getting us there and back safely and to Alice for her organising of the day.
Sally Tetlow