August walk

July Walk

18 members (too warm for our 2 regular dogs to come - a wise decision) started out from the Bartley cricket club in warm sunshine with a very pleasant breeze at times. Even shorts and open sandals were worn, encouraged by the complete lack of mud and puddles! For the first time probably this year, completely avoiding the gravel tracks forced on us during the winter months, but in shaded wooded glades with trees in full leaf on grassy tracks and paths and across open heaths. 2 small deer ran directly across the open expanse of Gutter Heath into woods directly in front of us, but 3 minutes later emerged again and ran back to their original cover in the trees. A host of butterflies of various species were all around us in Little Stubby Hat woods, ably idendified by Sandra and Stewart, and confirmed by Stewart's excellent wildlife book. Extensive Forestry operations in Buskett's Lawn enclosure meant a slight detour through the woods out to Yew Tree Hill back onto the original route. A Common Lizard crossed our path and froze in the grass at our presence. At noon in the shade of a large oak tree about a quarter mile of the finish, the group paused for a minute's silence in respect of the Tunisia massacre. An enjoyable, level walk at a very leisurely pace. Dave B


 

 A Small Skipper butterfly, a common lizard and members of U3A all enjoying the sunshine . Sandra