View from Rough Bank looking towards the Slad Valley, with Devil’s Bit Scabious in the foreground

At last, the site has finally been officially opened! Numerous supporters were present to witness the Chair of Natural England, Mr Andrew Sells, officially declare the reserve open. Read more …

Fourteen of us gathered at the Visitor Centre for the field trip at Crickley Hill. Bob Wills who currently does the transect there and David Perkins who used to do the transect came along to show us the best places to see the butterflies. Early June is not usually thought of as a good time for butterflies. Often it is call the June droop or June gloom as it is in between the spring butterflies and the summer butterflies. However in the countryside, particularly on unimproved limestone grassland sites, there are usually quite a few butterflies flying. Read more …

Thirteen people attended this event today. Led by Tricia Atkinson and John Coates, the clouds parted right on cue, the sun shone and the butterflies (and a few moths) came out to play! The start of the event was slightly marred by motorcyclists riding over the reserve but they eventually dispersed once Sue Dodd had spoken to them and the police were contacted. Read more …

The latest changes are a continuation of those reported a couple of weeks ago. Here is a brief summary of the changes and an invitation to contribute photographs. Read more …

Cath Hodsman is one of our branch members and a professional wildlife artist. Some of you will remember her visit to our 2013 AGM when in addition to her pictures she brought microscopes, butterfly wings and other ‘bits of insect’ so that we could see and admire beauty close up. Now can all see this at Ruskin Mill from 23rd May to 16th June. Read more …

Sue Smith has kindly invited me to post on your new website Blog to promote the 2014 survey of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly in the Cotswolds. Read more …