Aston Upthorpe Downs is an area of chalk downland with juniper scrub and a rich flora and fauna. Much of the site is SSSI and open-access land under the ‘right to roam’ legislation. It supports a rich variety of flora and fauna and offers extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
We will explore the slopes for its spring butterflies and day-flying moths, including grassland and scrub specialists. We hope to find both Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper as well as Green Hairstreak.
I will be bringing a packed lunch to eat on-site. You are welcome to join me and chat about all things butterfly, moth and conservation over lunchtime.
Accessibility & risks: a fairly long walk along a sometimes rutted track and
then some quite steep slopes, often off-path on the grassland. Please check for ticks after the walk and let the leader know if you have picked up any ticks. (Tick advice)
Meet by the grain dryer, half a mile along the narrow lane from the A417, opposite the turning to Aston Upthorpe village.
Postcode: OX11 9DS
What3Words: goodnight.taller.cavalier
Peter Philp
07434 652770
guided-walks@upperthames-butterflies.org.uk
