Lower Woods Gloucestershire WT reserve, 24 June 2021

Leader: David Goode

Seven members met in the car park, where we were welcomed by the Warden, Neil Lodge. John Nyman, a very knowledgeable volunteer, joined our small party and we set off for the bridge over the Little Avon River. Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Bullfinch were all heard as we walked the first ride.

Sadly we were not able to experience the host of Beautiful demoiselles that often congregate near the bridge at this time of year.

The broad woodland rides here are known as Trenches which are dominated by meadow and wetland plants. We did a loop along Littley Old Trench and Horton Great Trench where we were pleased to find Bird’s nest orchid and Greater butterfly orchid, both in full flower. The late season meant that we were too early for Violet helleborines. It also affected other species, notably the butterflies which were restricted to Speckled wood, Meadow brown and Large skipper with no sign of Silver-washed fritillaries or White admirals which were our intended target species for the trip.

However, Hornet, Dark bush cricket, Forest shield bug, Wolf spider and a single Beautiful demoiselle were noted. Birds of the coppiced hazel and oak woodland included Nuthatch, Green woodpecker, Goldcrest, Jay, Carrion crow and Buzzard.

After lunch we decided to try our luck with the Little owl that lives in a small ‘barn’ in the middle of a field at Little Badminton. Our hearts sank when we saw the barn covered in scaffolding, until Barbara spotted the owl perched in a corner. It flew with its very characteristic undulating flight to one of the ancient oak trees nearby. It was a good ending to a somewhat disappointing day.

David Goode