Sunday, 19 July 2015

Priddy to Draycott Mendip hike & 16 butterfly species 18/7/15

Our hike took us from Priddy following part of the West Mendip Way to Draycott Sleights and back to Priddy a total of 10 tough stunning miles. The walk took us through a mixture of field, meadows and high rocky limestone areas each with its own rich variety of flora. Plenty of Scabious, Thyme, Kidney Vetch, Grasses, Knapweed, Thistles, Clarey and a few Harebells here and there. All great for the butterflies!  The butterflies seen were Comma, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, S.Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Skipper, Chalk Hill Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Ringlet, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. A record Day for us. Birds of note were Buzzard, Raven, Kestrel and Skylark.
A beautiful walk with amazing views packed with flora and fauna.

   Meadow Brown


               
                  Skylark, one of many seen in the meadows. Wonderful to hear their song as well


    Coffee time looking across to Draycott Sleights, Cheddar, Brean and beyond!

               
                    Small Skipper


               
                   Chalk Hill Blue on wild Thyme


  Chalk Hill Blue - a real stunner


                
                   Chalk Hill Blue 

    Scabious, great for insects


                
                   Small Skippers and guest!


   Stunning views 

                
                   Kestrel at Draycott


   Marbled White

                
                    Painted Lady - great to see a few of these butterflies 

    Dark Green Fritillary. Only saw one near the end of our walk














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