Ashlawn Update

Ashlawn Update 14-6-14. by Phil Parr, plus photos also

The warm weather and showers have produced lush vegetation everywhere and plenty of wild flowers and insects.

Spring species of butterfly are now being replaced by summer ones. One or two Orange-tip were still on the wing on 9th June and the first Meadow Brown , Ringlet and Large skipper are now flying. The lovely day flying Burnet Companion moth has been in good numbers and Cinnabar moths are appearing in the grassland.

In gardens nearby the tiny colourful mint moth Pyrausta aurata is to be seen. It looks like a tiny butterfly.

It is pleasing to see the return of dragonflies after some years of no sightings and Broad-bodied Chaser is particularly doing well in the recently cleared Pytchley Marsh and Path Pool where newts can also be seen

The pink blooms of Red Campion along the Healthy Living Walk has given a lovely display and Ox Eye Daisy’s and yellow Bird’s-foot Trefoil showing in the reserves grasslands.

Don’t forget our guided walk along the reserve from Ashlawn Bridge on 29th June. See details in this website and also on http://www.warwickshire-butterflies.org.uk/events.asp We will be looking at the wild flowers, butterflies, and for the elusive Forester moth.