Walk report: 01 August 2019 Dibden Inclosure


Small Copper
© Richard Coomber

On a very warm day, 17 members joined Sue and Geoff for a first Lymnats visit to Dibden Inclosure. The sunshine was beginning to bring out the insects and as we walked from the car park down the ride towards Dibden Bottom, Gatekeepers were seen in abundance along with Meadow Brown, and specimens of Common Blue and Holly Blue were also spotted. Other butterflies seen on the walk included Small Heath, Brimstone, Small Copper, Large Skipper and Silver-washed Fritillary. We also saw the first signs of all 3 varieties of heather coming into flower.

Along the level part of Dibden Bottom, we saw more dragon- and damselflies and those identified included Emperor, Golden-ringed, Broad-bodied Chaser and Keeled Skimmer. Stonechats were “chipping” away atop the gorse. A Solitary Bee was identified near several bee holes in the sandy soil.

Cut-leaved Bramble Rubus laciniatus
© Richard Coomber
Our hilltop refreshment stop afforded wide open views across to Lyndhurst and Roe Deer were spotted feeding in the shade of a clump of Silver Birch on the heathland below us. A Raven circled overhead briefly before flying east over the woodland of the inclosure. Other birds spotted during the morning were Wren, Siskin, Goldfinch and, of course, our friendly Robins both adult and juvenile.

Through the Noads woodland, Rowan trees were heavy with berries and elsewhere other plant highlights seen were Round-leaved Sundew, Royal Fern, Cut-leaved Bramble Rubus laciniatus (a non-native perhaps sown via bird droppings) and the lichen Parmelia caperata.

Unfortunately, the return walk along the other side of the woodland was notable for its absence of interesting natural sightings but the sunshine provided a good view of the tumuli near the Beaulieu Road. S&GN