2009
24
MAY
|
A short walk around Elham |
|
|
Sunday, 24 May 2009 |
 Elham Village seen from the chalk pit
Butterfly Conservation works in woodland landscapes where sustainable management practices are being re-introduced. Wood harvested from coppicing in these woods is sold to burners who turn it into charcoal. We were told that the charcoal lights and burns much easier than any imported charcoal you can buy. The burgers and sausages were from a local supplier too and were all delicious. Our lunch was completed with a nice muffin from the cake stall washed down with locally produced apple juice.
Having enjoyed a very nice early lunch we decided we should try burning off some of those calories and enjoyed a short walk out of the valley along some very narrow lanes that are also roadside nature reserves. The hedgerows were buzzing with butterflies and small birds trying hard not to be seen. We again saw lots of Painted Lady butterflies during our walk and also got a lovely close view of a Whitethroat. We walked up to Elham chalk pit where in the past chalk was dug to burn in kilns and used to make lime for local buildings. In the chalk pit are many plants that love the conditions. A little further up the road we sat for a while in the shade on a bench that had been carved from an oak tree brought down in the 1987 storm.
 Common spotted Orchid
We had a bit of time to ourselves during the afternoon before going to our second BBQ of the day so we first stopped off at Park Gate Down to see how the orchids were coming on and I took a few pictures of a few that we found that afternoon. I found a fairly new looking Fly Orchid I’d not seen before: there really is something challenging about taking pictures of this tiny orchid and I’ll always keep trying. There were also plenty of Common Spotted Orchids too with their distinctive markings and spotty leaves helping with identification. We then we headed down to St Margaret’s Bay to see if there were any birds to be seen on the cliff top.
 Painted Lady butterfly
 |
|
Older Journals (61 entries) (35 entries)
|
I have just looked at your last 2 walks,you took some lovely shots as usual. It is such a lovely area to live in, you have so much on your doorstep. We will be passing through on Sunday for our usual trip to France, I will give you a wave.
Take care
Sherran