Not far from home is a well hidden footpath. I can be there in less than 25 minutes, which is much closer than the majority of the reserves I visit. There is parking for only two or three cars, although I rarely meet anyone when I’m there. The narrow track runs between hedges and trees and if the summer isn’t too dry, it is overgrown with oxeye daisies and scabious.
The views are stunning and at one point there is the option to leave the track and to walk along the top edge of a massive field, where orchids can sometimes be found. Perhaps the only thing to spoil my day is the distant view of where I used to work. Unhappy memories soon fade though, knowing I took early retirement many years ago and I would much rather be on my own looking for bugs than stuck in an office updating MS Project plans.
Last year wasn’t good for the South East in general and for Fackenden Down in particular. I hope to see it in all its glory this year, but in the meantime, this is a lovely small skipper butterfly from 2024.
Sid
14 Mar 2026Hello 😊
Pure love for this little guy ❤️
Ciao
Sid
Zooey
15 Mar 2026I love skippers too 🙂