REPORTS FROM OUR VISITS
November
Our November outing was a group coach trip to Batsford Arboretum, near Morton in Marsh. We were given an interesting guided tour by the head gardener who pointed out some of the more spectacular autumn colours as well as some of the more weird and wonderful trees. After taking lunch in the cafe there was plenty of time to wander round again at our leisure and visit the shop and small garden centre. All in all a great day out.
Monday 13th October - Visit to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital
The October visit of Natural History group was to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Haddenham. Several of the animals there are nocturnal, so were fast asleep. But we did manage to spot a Tawny owl, a badger and a very active Polecat as well as many different birds.
One of the staff gave us a very informative talk about how Les Stocker first started the hospital in 1978 in his back garden in Aylesbury. She told us they now have over 400 hedgehogs in their care, most of which will be released as soon as they are fit enough. Those like the three legged one she introduced us to, will stay with them for life as they would not survive in the wild. They are open for emergencies 24/7 and will never turn a wild animal away.
Wednesday 24th September - Natural History Group Foraging trip
A band of sixteen members assembled in the Cowleaze Wood car park on 24th September to be educated by Marcus Woods, our local expert on foraging in the Chilterns. The trip involved a 3 mile walk down and up the Chilterns, but this was shortened to 2 miles when the group assembled and our fitness level assessed.
The tour was an entertaining introduction to foraging. We explored lesser-known footpaths below Bald Hill and compared the biology of ungrazed and grazed fields and woodland landscapes pruned by deer. Marcus explained some varieties of wild mushrooms but I don't think we would have felt competent to eat any! Nor eat raw nettles as he did! Many plants, fruits and roots are edible but dedication is needed in preparing them.
The view from the path round Bald Hill
He discussed the historical medicinal properties of many plants – such as scabious used for treating scabs! The use of Juniper in local gin making; a very useful evergreen plant for winter cover for wildlife. Another evergreen conifer Yew was used to make Taxol for cancer chemotherapy. The health benefits of Hawthorn hips were well known up to the 1950s and many of us will remember the syrup made from Rose Hips.
The return trip reminded me of “The grand old Duke of York” as we walked back to the top of the escarpment and the car park! An excellent educational and unusual trip which is well worth repeating - but remember it is not on the level!
Mike Eaton
Monday 7th July
26 members walked round the half acre site and listened to a fascinating talk by Linda Brawn about the historical significance and the careful opening up of the site, the identification of all the species of fruit tree, the clearing of pathways, the planting of a Queens Diamond Jubilee heritage hedge and the endless clearance of nettles and burdock. It is now an area rich in fauna and flora. For instance 97 species of plant have been identified.
It is thought this was always planted as a community shared asset with 4 cottages in close proximity to it to the bridleway. Digs by the South Oxfordshire Archaeological Society have identified the location of two of the orchard cottages and more digs are planned. There is also evidence of smelting being done on the site.
Linda also gave thanks to all the volunteers that have come forward to help.
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Monday 16th June - A wildflower meadow below Bradenham Woods
A small group visited the wildflower meadows below Bradenham woods. We found many species of chalk grassland flowers including groups of Pyramidal and Common Spotted orchids and a few Bee orchids, plus a solitary unidentified white one!
Bee Orchid and Pyramidal Orchid
Photo taken by John Perkin
Common Spotted Orchid
Photo taken by John Perkin
Unidentified White Orchid
Photo taken by Colin Page
TUESDAY 29th April - Wilstone Reservoir, Bird watching
We went to Wilstone Reservoir, Bird Watching with Colin Studwick. We met in Meads Farmhouse Kitchen, Wilstone, HP23 4NT for coffee at 10:00.
WEDNESDAY 26th MARCH - Ascott House NT
Sixteen members of the Natural History group visited Ascott House, a National Trust property near Wing on 26th March to see the daffodils. We were not disappointed. It was a sunny day and we were greeted by "a host of golden daffodils" looking splendid between the trees in the beautifully manicured lawns. There were also several magnificent fountains and sculptures, many old beeches and a rare Scarlet oak and beautiful magnolias and camellias in full bloom. Some of the group went on to visit the fascinating house, whilst others (needless to say!) ended up in the small cafe. A good day out.
Friday 14th February - Oxford Natural History Museum
Our visit to Oxford University Natural History Museum on Friday 14 Feb. Yes 16 of our Group spent Valentine’s Day looking at things as diverse as Meteorite fragments, skeletons of dinosaurs and models representing the biochemical structures of the world’s six deadliest diseases for which the Oxford Vaccine Group have developed vaccines saving millions of lives round the world. What a fascinating day out?
Friday 29th November - Bledlow Cross
Several members of Natural History group joined Chiltern Society to unveil the new trail, where Dr Wendy Morrison (Heritage & Archeology Manager, Chilterns National Landscape) conducted a guided walk through Thickthorn Wood to the Bledlow Cross.
Monday 28th October - Harcourt Arboretum
Twenty Four members joined our walk round the Arboretum and, whilst overall the display was not as good as last year, there were some amazing colours particularly on the Acers
Friday 27th September - College Lake Nature Reserve
The rain finally stopped for our visit to College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring on Friday 27th September. Ten hardy members were taken round the BBOWT Reserve by Bernard, a very knowledgeable volunteer, who told us that the area started as farmland but was worked extensively for chalk excavation in the late 20th century. During that time, 200 boxes of fossils from 50 million to 150 million years ago, were collected. These were mainly given to the Aylesbury museum, but a few, including a whole mammoth tusk, are on display at the Reserve. The two impressive lakes are now home to many water and wading birds (though not many were showing their faces on such a cool day!), and also mammals, including water voles.
We were shown a display of old farm machinery, a woodland “theatre”, and a nursery for the rare chalkland wildflowers which abound there. There are several well equipped hides around the lakes, and a cosy café and shop in the visitors’ centre where most of us warmed ourselves up after the tour.
Monday 5th August 2024 - Butterfly Spotting at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
This has been a poor year for Butterflies until the sun started to make more of an appearance!
So Mark, our very knowledgeable volunteer guide, was very pleased when the sun unexpectedly came out on our visit to Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve to see Butterflies. He said every June many people visit the reserve especially to see the Chalk Blue Butterflies, you guessed it, on the chalk slopes of the reserve. And 5 August was no exception. The Chalk Blues seemed to be everywhere, the chalky blue males and the brown females.
For the record there were also many Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns which are much more common across the country. We were lucky to see a Green Fritillary and a late Marbled White as well. Other butterflies recorded were Peacocks, small and large Whites, a skipper and small tortoiseshell. And just one Brimstone looking sparkling new and obviously from a second brood.
Nineteen members attended and all managed to negotiate the steep terrain very well.
Congratulations to everyone.
Peter Hetherington
