The Forewood, More Moths, and a suprise

Yesterday we had a lovely day out to Crowhurst, the highlight of which was a walk out through the Forewood, and a picnic out by the former pumping station. The Forewood is an RSPB reserve, and has been for about 20 years I guess. It was quiet for birds, mainly 'cos our walk didn't start until nearly midday, but we did clock 3 soaring Buzzards high up over the Pepperingeye end of the wood. All the trees have recnetly been felled from around the pumping station, leaving a boring modern brick structure, the old engine house and engines being long gone

The Forewood is a beautiful place just to be at this time of the year

Bluebells just coming to their best were a treat, and the perfume - wow

Butterflies were on the wing in numbers, these were the only ones I managed to photograph

A Speckled Wood 

and a brand spanking new Comma

The ones I missed were Brimstone, Large White, Wood White, Orange Tip, Peacock, and Small Tortoishell

Also out were several Early Purple Orchids - this specimen was about a foot high

Today in my moth trap were 34 moths of 11 species:-

Early Grey 3

Common Quaker 12

V Pug 2 ( I think - see pics below)

Lychnis  1, and ever so early, but definitely not a Campion like the one trapped over in RX land - http://rxwildlife.org.uk/)

Hebrew Character  10

Red Twin Spot Carpet 1

Fern 1

Clouded Drab 1

Brimstone 1

Streamer 1

Waved Umber 1

 pictured are, first of all, these two V Pug

At least I think this is a V Pug, just very well marked, but if I'm wrong, Tony, I should be obliged to be put right

Tiny little creatures and so beautiful - see just how small

Next was this superb Twin Spot Red Carpet, a real stunner and much more moth-sized

 

The first Fern of the year, such a delicate insect

and finally, thisWaved Umber

Later in the day, just as Grandchildren and friends called to take me swimming, Nancy found (and very rapidly left) this beautiful Slow-worm, which gave the children the rare chance to see and handle - carefully and under supervision - a reptile before releasing it under the Ivy and frass in the hedge away from Pheasants and cats