Meadow Brown probably dead but attached to burr IR P1730178
A BNHS walk led by Betty Cooke around the Willington Pits area starting from the Dovecote car park on 12/9/2022
12th September Willington Lakes
River Great Ouse at Willington
We convened at the Dovecote, Willington and gathered in a group of nine. After a few moments of
reflection for Queen Elizabeth 2nd, Betty Cooke who had stepped in a leader at short notice gave us a few
words about the magnificent Tudor buildings close by. We then followed a circular route passing over
Elstow Brook and along a cycle route until we came to the Elstow Brook again where we came followed the
bank back to where we started. Common Darter was readily identified but the blue damselfly and large
hawkers which could have been Southern and/or Migrant Hawkers could not be named without more skill in
the group. Although the weather was perfect for a walk there were only Green-veined Whites, Speckled
Woods and a solitary, well camouflaged Meadow Brown to represent the butterflies. It was disappointing to
see the screen for the bird hide had not been maintained although there were many good spots for the
fishermen. The highlight came right at the end when a Southern Oak Bush Cricket was spotted. Another
site to visit again next year. Julia Powell
Meadow Brown probably dead but attached to burr IR P1730178
A BNHS walk led by Betty Cooke around the Willington Pits area starting from the Dovecote car park on 12/9/2022
12th September Willington Lakes
River Great Ouse at Willington
We convened at the Dovecote, Willington and gathered in a group of nine. After a few moments of
reflection for Queen Elizabeth 2nd, Betty Cooke who had stepped in a leader at short notice gave us a few
words about the magnificent Tudor buildings close by. We then followed a circular route passing over
Elstow Brook and along a cycle route until we came to the Elstow Brook again where we came followed the
bank back to where we started. Common Darter was readily identified but the blue damselfly and large
hawkers which could have been Southern and/or Migrant Hawkers could not be named without more skill in
the group. Although the weather was perfect for a walk there were only Green-veined Whites, Speckled
Woods and a solitary, well camouflaged Meadow Brown to represent the butterflies. It was disappointing to
see the screen for the bird hide had not been maintained although there were many good spots for the
fishermen. The highlight came right at the end when a Southern Oak Bush Cricket was spotted. Another
site to visit again next year. Julia Powell