A walk to look for spring butterflies and day-flying moths, including both Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper as well as Green Hairstreak.
Join us on a trip to Aston Upthorpe Downs: a chalk downland site with juniper scrub and a rich flora and fauna; and extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Much of the site is SSSI and open-access land under the ‘right to roam’ legislation.
We will explore the slopes for a range of spring butterflies including grassland and scrub specialists. The area also supports a good variety of other wildlife. Target species: both Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper as well as Green Hairstreak.
You are welcome to bring a picnic and chat about all things butterfly, moth and conservation, over lunchtime.
Accessibility & risks: a fairly long walk along a sometimes rutted track and
then some quite steep slopes, often off-path on the grassland. Please check for ticks after the walk and let the leader know if you have picked up any ticks. (Tick advice)
Please check here the evening before the walk to make sure it is going ahead as planned. This page will be updated regularly.
Meet by the grain dryer, half a mile along the narrow lane from the A417, opposite the turning to Aston Upthorpe village.
Postcode: OX11 9DS
What3Words: goodnight.taller.cavalier