Wildlife walkabout

Wildlife survey: a Walkabout with Fred Booth

Click it to big itDespite the rather threatening looking weather there was a good turn out for the walkabout with Fred Booth from the Kent Wildlife Trust. Fred divided the Downs into three distinctive areas

1. the western end with its mix of wild blackthorn and grassy areas.
2. the central area being mainly open grassland.
3. the eastern end being grassy areas dotted with mixed scrub.

Nearly a hundred species of plants were identified in each of these areas,including some rarities that are only found in a few locations in the country. Many insects and birds have been observed, including the rare long horned bumble bee, grasshopper warblers and linnets displaying breeding behaviour. Full details of Fred's survey should be available soon. It was an enjoyable afternoon and nice to share this beautiful environment with so many like-minded people.