Dark Knight stalled!

Path to bat cave

Red Admiral liking the teasel 

Construction work in the bat cave was the order of this hot day. Plant growth as pictures indicate still vigorous but the good news was that the butterflies absent for most of this wet year were making an appearance in what promises to be a warm spell. In this area alone spotted Red Admiral, Cabbage White, Heath, and Painted Lady. I'd also spotted out in the countryside Marble white, Wood White and the Meadow Brown. Saw others but I need them to settle to id them, eyesight not as sharp as used to be, using UK butterfly guide.

Due to meet Morris of the Bat Trust , who was to lead the building work , but unfortunately car problems were to prevent his appearance. All was not lost as Mike and I had to carry out some prep work prior to the serious building construction. First some fallen Eldar trees needed to be cleared and then I had to re-cut some steps down to the cave entrance as this years rain had made the steep slope down into a 'muddy slide '. This proved a good move since a lot of roof supports and other materials had to be carried from the Ford Ranger  down the slope and into the Bat cave. The humidity must have been in the high 90s because even the slightest physical work had us soaked in sweat.

Having finished the prep work we moved onto Budgehill Belt to continue some woodland management and ride clearance. Sharp eyed Mike spotted a Grey Partridge but the real surprise was the drop in humidity in the Belt thank goodness.  So a comfortable end to the day and a rest from watching the Olympics which I have done to much of this past week!