The Suffolk Argus least two Grayling. More Grayling were sighted on the heath where Small Copper was noted, and appropriately in the wood a Speckled Wood – generally considered to be rather scarce at the moment - was spotted. Unlike 2009 when the buddleja were weighed down by the invasion of Painted Lady, this year the species has been noteable for its absence, and during the day only one was recorded.
helped to park cars but also was kept busy answering questions about how he kept the garden in such good heart – a man with green fingers! Visitors arriving mid-morning were invited to take part in Rob Parker’s informative butterfly walks and two were held before a late lunch was taken. A couple of moth traps had been set up the night before, and between the butterfly walks the catch was examined by Mike Swindells and an enthralled audience, fascinated by the variety and beauty of these little known creatures of the night.
We thank Trudie and her gardener, Paul and other helpers for their hard work in preparation and their enthusiasm on the day. The large garden at Priors Oak with its many formal and informal outdoor rooms, the wild heathland garden and the wood make this a fascinating garden to visit, and the more so during Save Our Butterflies Week when knowledgeable enthusiasts are at hand to indentify and inform visitors about the butterflies and moths. If you haven’t visited then make Priors Oak a priority for 2011.
The generally overcast sky did not encourage day-flying moths and butterflies into flight, but the temperature was high and in the sheltered garden migrant Silver Y moths covered the lavender. Red Admirals, a few Peacock butterflies, a Comma or two, and whites adorned the buddleja bushes, which also attracted at
Open Day at Scotland Place Farm, Stoke by Nayland. Sunday 1st August 2010 Michèle Francis I’m a new conscript to BC, and clearly as green as I’m cabbage-looking. This morning’s introduction to Peter Maddison, as editor of The Suffolk Argus newsletter, was quickly followed by the suggestion that I write my impressions of the day. Here goes ...
Today, I attended the open day at Scotland Place Farm (Stoke by Nayland). An open day is run every year, in aid of a variety of charities. Today was the turn of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation. Scotland Place Farm aims to have a lower-carbon
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