An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Rushbeds Wood, led by Peter Philp

Join us on a trip to the Rushbeds Wood and Lapland Farm: a BBOWT nature reserve, 7 miles south-east of Bicester. It includes a large area of ancient woodland, though it was mostly felled in the 1940s, hence only has a few mature Oaks. The woodland is damp and tussocky with abundant butterflies and other wildlife. It also includes a series of damp wildflower meadows with an interesting flora and important hedgerows.

From the Rushbeds car park we will walk along the road to the track leading to the meadows (no parking available at the meadows). We will scan prominent Ash trees in the hedgerows and woodland edge, where our target species may be flitting around in little clusters. We will also look at flowers, like Bramble, where they may come down to nectar. If time allows we will also spend some within the wood itself. Target species: Brown Hairstreak and other late-summer butterflies.

Accessibility - a walk of a bout 1 mile to reach the meadows, partly along the road edge (though the road is not too busy). Paths mostly level but often soft, especially after rain. Gates, a least one bench and some trip hazards..

Meet at the Rushbeds Wood car park, 1.25 miles south of Ludgershall, 100m before the Boarstall - Wooton Underwood road. Through the gate and over the railway bridge. Please note: there is a vehicle height barrier at the entrance..
Grid Ref: SP673154
What3Words: clusters.whoever.newlywed