RUTLAND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

 CLIPSHAM QUARRY

 19^th June 2011

Despite overcast cumulus clouds, dry, and a cool north westerly, 32 members of Rutland Natural History Society attended the June field meeting, on Sunday morning, 19^th. 

Leaders: Barbara and Don Parker.

By kind permission of Sir David- Davenport Handley, members were allowed to explore this private reserve, which is a SSSI for several species.

Dr. Clive Jones gave a brief outline of the geological structure of the site before the naturalists ventured forth southwest. Stopping near the barn, bird song included Coal Tit, Wren, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackbird and the impressive, wild song of the Blackcap. In the long grasses near the path, the nymphs of grasshoppers were observed, such as: Field Grasshopper and Lesser Marsh Grasshopper.

Ploughman’s Spikenard was an interesting find at the foot of the bank, and one lone Lesser Butterfly Orchid stood proud near the bank steps.

The advance party had already reached the short climb up to the Clay Bank.  Here were found many Common Spotted Orchids, looking splendid amongst the grasses, and a few of the small, but attractive Common Twayblade.  It was disappointing to find only one Bee Orchid. Among the more interesting other flower species expected in this habitat were: Autumn Gentian, Field Madder, Yellow Wort, and Basil Thyme.

Although sunny conditions would have been preferred, the dull cloud layer had the effect on the butterfly population, causing them to rest on plants.  This gave good close up views of the species observed, and these were Small and Large Skippers, Ringlet and Small Heath.  However, perhaps the star of the morning was the discovery of a resting Dark Green Fritillary by sharp-eyed Judith Harrison.  It was very obliging, and the wildlife photographers had a ‘field day’.  

The Clay Bank also revealed more nymphs, this time of the Meadow Grasshopper, promising a large colony there in a few days time. While this activity was ongoing, a Red Kite floated around overhead, and a Buzzard also appeared below the clouds.  In the Hawthorn scrub, the beautiful melody of the Willow Warbler was heard, and Garden Warbler and Blackcap also joined in.  It was good to hear these songsters, as the season for song is gradually fading away.

The 6 Spot Burnett Moths were on the wing; these day flying moths are regular in this habitat. Droppings of Fallow Deer, Badger Latrines and a Tawny Owl pellet were found and identified

At 12.55pm. the group started to head back towards the barn, an interesting find at the foot of the bank was a tall, lovely specimen of Wild Liquorice

The sun appeared, and this had a good effect on the butterflies, with the appearance of the stunning Marbled White, also Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small White, Comma and Common Blue.

Dr. Andy Lear had wandered off earlier, and had finished with a grand total of 150 flowering species.  Roy Lemmon had also diverted into other areas in pursuit of rusts and galls, some of which included: Powdery Mildew on Dogwood.  Rusts on Bramble, Coltsfoot, Marjoram and Meadow Cranesbill.  Galls on Coltsfoot, Dog Rose, Germander Speedwell, Goat Willow, Marjoram, Meadow Cranesbill and Sweetbriar.

Barbara and Don Parker were thanked for leading the naturalists around the site, and for arranging this very important field meeting for the society.

Phil Rudkin

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