Glapthorn Cow Pastures
 |
A mix of blackthorn scrub and mature woodland that is a refuge for the rare black hairstreak butterfly |
The variety of habitats at Glapthorn Cow Pastures provide homes for many different kinds of wildlife. The mature woodland in the northern half is dominated by ash while the southern part is mainly blackthorn with some oak.
Primroses in the spring are followed by bluebells, early-purple and common-spotted orchids. Nuthatch and warblers can be heard, and the reserve is a nesting site for nightingales – three or four pairs usually breed and can be heard singing in May and June.
Late June provides a chance to see the black hairstreak butterfly on flowering brambles. Its caterpillars are found on blackthorn. This rare butterfly, with its characteristic jerky flight, is now restricted in Britain to a few woods between Oxford and Peterborough.
Birds: Woodpeckers, tits, thrushes |
Plants: Primrose, bluebell, early-purple orchid, common spotted-orchid Birds: Nightingale, red kite, woodcock, nuthatch, tawny owl |
Plants: Bugle, meadowsweet, angelica, yellow archangel Insects: Black hairstreak, gatekeeper, white admiral, speckled wood and ringlet butterflies, dragonflies Birds: Warblers, chiffchaff, chaffinch, blackbird |
Fungi: Woodland fungi |