Being relatively new members of BBOWT we were invited to a guided walk on the 14th August at Warburg reserve just outside Henley. Despite several heavy downpours, one just as we were leaving home, we all gathered at the given time in a field outside Maidensgrove. We then were taken around the reserve and told about its history and geology. It was extremely interesting how the land was formed and the plant & wildlife that are attracted to such an environment.
We saw Grasshoppers, Common Lizard, Green Woodpeckers poo - which was full of ant casings. The rare Chiltern Gentian, lots of Common Blue's and Dragonflies. We also learnt that the mounds in the soil are ancient ants nest some could be 100 years old. They are very important to the chalk land landscape especially for the Chalkhill Blue butterfly which relies on the ants to feed its pupae.
We were fed tea, cakes & strawberries amongst other delights at the end of a walk. I was gasping as we had a steep climb back to the car & was trying not to appear out of breath in front of the children that were overtaking me at a racing pace. well we had been out for a couple of hours & it was hot (ish)
Guess what close by we found a Pub!! A new one that we had not been to before but what a find. They sell homemade Ginger Beer and it was fabulous. The menu also looks extremely good and is now on a our list for a visit - keep posted for a review. Sarah tells me the chef here trained at the Pot Kiln (See previous posting on Greenham Common) I love a link
