Turnout was pleasingly but unexpectedly high for our hay clearing task
down at Snakeholme Pit on Sunday 6th September. This meant the task
was completed pretty swiftly; in fact, just in time for lunch, thanks to the
industrious raking and enthusiastic forking of the 9 of us. This was also
thanks in no small part to Delphine’s highly efficient leadership and the
moral support and encouragement of the ‘fragrant’ and indefatigable Lily,
the Springer. And all that in the face of extreme hardship, ie the
lack of a brew kit!
It was my first time at Snakeholme and nearly my last, as, having spotted
the location rather late, my driver performed a rather sharp last minute
turn into the layby. As navigator, I take part of the responsibility.
However, it seems I was not the only one having a bit of difficulty locating
the site, and this possibly requires further directions for future
reference.
As indicated, the task proceeded at a fair pace. The hay was ready
cut. Still quite damp on the underside and heavy. We raked the hay
into piles and, variously, forked and carried these piles away to a corner
of the Pit where I’m supposing it will simply be left to rot down.
With any luck, the hay will have given up its wildflower seeds to the soil
where they’re ‘banked up’ for future growing seasons. I look forward to
seeing the richness of the flower meadow with my own eyes next
spring/summer. According to the site description, there is a good show of
Cowslips (Primula veris) in the spring and the fine summer wildflower
display includes Greater Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major), Betony (Stachys
officinalis) and the unusual Adder’s tongue fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum).
There
were a few insects to see on the day of the task – mostly flies on my
sandwiches - due to the warm and slightly humid atmosphere, but also the odd
butterfly on a naturalised buddleia at the site. There were
dragonflies too, skimming over the meadow and dancing over the still waters
of the pond. I think we sighted a common darter or two.
The site is apparently home to, amongst others, the White Admiral (Limenitis
camilla) – apparently, here in Lincolnshire at the northern end of its range
- and the oak-loving Purple Hairstreak (Neozephyrus quercus). Although these
were not spotted on the day, as far as I’m aware. If you want to learn more
about the ecology and distribution of these and other native British
butterflies take a look at the species profiles at:
www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php . The website is run in association
with Butterfly Conservation.
Many thanks to Delphine for leading, and to Alison, Shirley, Lucy, Sarah,
Steve, Alex, Sophie and Lily for getting the task done. Apologies and
thanks to anyone whose name has been unintentionally left out.
Sophie