P1730176

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

Done