National Moth night Bats and Godmersham Park.  | - Click on the image above to view gallery
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 Checking the moth trap
After the talk we then went out into the fading light around the churchyard armed with bat detectors and with the knowledge from the expert who could tell us from the different frequencies of sounds he was hearing exactly which bat species were flying above our heads. We often see what we think are Common Pipistrelles where we live so we were accustomed to how fast they fly. But when a Serotine was spotted flying above our heads I was amazed just how slowly they fly, and just how big they are too. It stayed above our heads for several minutes hunting for insects, and was amazing to watch. We then walked down in the dark to the River Stour where, although we could barely see the bats flying above the river, we could certainly hear them in the bat detectors.
When it was time to empty the moth traps it has to be said that the cold weather really did mean that the normal species of moths that would be expected at this time of year just weren’t around yet. I have to say it really was rather cold and I was certainly glad I was wearing my down jacket that evening. The moths we did see were Pale Tussock, Pale Prominent, Green Carpet, V Pug, Brimstone and a Common Pug. Also a May Bug had found its way into the trap. One other thing we did see earlier that evening which was a real treat was a Spotted Flycatcher.
 Godmersham Downs  Fran form Butterfly Conservation checking the net
A really interesting evening but as we had also planned to be back at the same spot the following morning for another event organised by Butterfly Conservation we didn’t stay too long into the night even though the moth trapping carried on for a while. By 10.00 am Sunday a lot of the same people who had been there the previous evening were back at Godmersham Church ready for a guided walk around Godmersham Estate led by the estate manager Greg Ellis. As this is a private estate it was a real treat to be guided somewhere we can’t usually visit.
The area is on chalk downland above Godmersham, an area I have often looked at when travelling along the road but as it was private didn’t think I would ever be able to see at such close hand. It is also very close to Kings Wood, where we always enjoy seeing the springtime display of Bluebells.
 Panoramic shot from Godmersham Downs
Greg led us across the steep-sided valleys explaining the species of flowers that grow there, and seeing it was a walk led by Butterfly Conservation we were keen to see how many different species we could find. By the end we had found 7 different species plus several day-flying moths too. Also in the air were countless St Mark’s Flies, which were a real nuisance. Greg took us through areas of coppiced Sweet Chestnut woodland thick with Bluebells and then onto an airship pit. The pit was in use during the First World War where an airship could remain hidden in the woodland. During the Second World War the pit was brought into use once again when a roof was put on top of the pit and it was set up with bunks for troops of the Auxiliary Units to sleep in. They would have been the last line of resistance if Britain had been invaded. It’s hard to imagine just how unpleasant it would have been trying to spend any time in there. However, all that remains now except a rather large hole in the ground was a sizeable chain that would have held the airship in place.
 Man Orchid  Green Hairstreak Butterfly  Common Milkwort
Another very interesting piece of archaeological history we were shown was a restored ice house that would have been in use for the nearby Georgian house at Godmersham Park. The house is under private ownership and is used as a college by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. Jane Austin woud have been a frequent vistor here as the house was once owned by her brother. It is said to be a inspiration for several of her novels. Even though the weather had taken a turn for the worst and it was lightly raining, it was a huge pleasure to be allowed to walk around the gardens before making our way back to the car.
I actually returned on another occasion (with permission of course) to see what kind of butterflies I could see and really enjoyed my visit once more. The gallery that accompanies this journal entry includes pictures from all three visits.
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There's been lots of Common Blues here at home though 
That certainly is an upmarket scarecrow, I've never heard of Godmersham Park, it looks a lovely area. You are not the only one who's way behind with photos, I have masses to sort out! It's been too nice to sit at the computer hasn't it, guess who's got a rainy day today? lol... Angela x 
