Sitting here on a gloomy day in the middle of winter, I can’t help but think about spring and the coming bug season. Last year wasn’t that good, but I tried to get out in spite of the cold, wind and endless cloud. Fackenden Down is one of my favourite local spots for bugs. It’s not much more than a pathway running parallel to the main road and part way up a very steep hill. I’ve never walked the entire length, but believe it continues to the nearest village of Otford.
I like it because there are only a couple of parking spots and I am almost always the only one there. The footpath is narrow and can get very overgrown later in the season, but it’s one of the best places to find the elusive flower crab spider. There are plenty of other bugs too, like the glorious six-spot burnet moth, great pied hoverfly, small skipper, plume moth, small heath, brimstone and marbled white.
All these photographs were taken on 17th June last year.
Steve
28 Jan 2025Lovely shots and roll on Spring 🙂
Zooey
29 Jan 2025Thank you Steve. I’m certainly ready for Spring! 🙂
Sid
29 Jan 2025Today the sun is shining. After three days of pouring rain.
Photos are impressive! Spider is scary, however.
Have a wonderful Day 🙂
Sid
Zooey
29 Jan 2025Sorry to hear about your weather Sid. We have heavy rain forecast for this afternoon, but maybe a bit of sun tomorrow 🙂