Come fly with me at Railway Fields

One sign that Summer is well and truly here is the appearance of the Gatekeeper butterfly. It is one of the last butterflies to emerge; flying and settling on bramble blossom and ragwort or sheltering in the long grass in the high heat of midday only to fly up and surprise you as you wander across a meadow.

You don’t have to go far to see scores of these pretty little butterflies.  Pop into Railway Fields and they are sunbathing on the great bramble bushes along the railway passage or flitting around the back meadow which is sprouting its favourite ragwort.

In the shady cool under large trees, you’ll almost certainly see the Speckled Wood with its chocolate and cream wings.

Another summer visitor is the large skipper which has turned up in sunny parts of the site especially near brambles. It is territorial, patrolling a regular “beat’  and chasing off rivals.

If you hurry to Railway Fields, you may catch another fan (and natural control) of ragwort, the cinnabar moth caterpillar. The last of these striped visitors in their “football jerseys” can mainly be seen on the ragwort by the large meadow opposite the pond, although this week it seemed there were only one or two left.

If you keep your eyes peeled you may spot another day flying moth, the six-spotted burnet moth. Although common and widespread, they are a welcome sight in Railway Fields as their presence is a sign of environmental health.

Look out for the banded and common blue damselflies who like to bask in the back meadow. Delicate little cousins of the more fearsome dragonflies, they can spotted by the way their brilliant blue bodies shine in the sun.

Finally, share the love for the marmalade hoverfly. Common it may be, seen in urban garden and parks pollinating just as hard as the more celebrated bees, but up close its colouring is exquisite.

Railway Fields is open daily Monday to Friday from 9-5, and the second and last Sunday of the month (subject to volunteer availability) as well as the last Saturday of the month, when you are all invited to join in the practical conservation tasks needed to keep the reserve looking so wonderful and supporting such diversity. Hot drinks, tools and good conversation are provided from 10am to 12.30. Just turn up.

Friends of Railway Fields run special events as well. Keep an eye on their website and the events pages of HOL for details.

Friends of Railway Fields welcome new members. Email friendsofrailwayfields@gmail.com to be added to their mailing list.