Odd Down Park & Ride, an odd butterfly site?
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:37 am
A site mentioned in the past, and in other threads on this forum as a good location to find small blue, Odd Down Park and Ride is perhaps one of the strangest. However, it is correct that small blue thrives there, and the population is spreading from its original small pocket near the hedges on the north of the site. I'm not sure of the history of the flora and fauna of the site but the prevalence of kidney vetch and bird's foot trefoil on many of the grass verges seems to suggest it was an intentional move by the municipal authority to promote a natural environment in what could be considered a most unnatural location. There cannot be many places where small blue butterflies can be seen darting out from the verges between parked cars.
I visited the site on Saturday 30th May with Denise and Xmilehigh and we counted around 20 individuals. The highest concentration appeared to be in an area that is fenced off behind green railings near the car park entrance. I don't know why the area is fenced off but it is currently a useful breeding ground away from disturbance, and butterfly enthusiasts can still enjoy the many individuals that venture out to other areas.
I remember seeing a late summer brood here as well as the spring one, so there's a chance for anyone who misses the current emergence to catch them later in the year.
Odd Down Park & Ride is directly off the roundabout at the Wellsway A367/Sulis Manor Road junction, Grid ST733616. The butterflies may be found just inside the entrance adjacent to the fenced off area. Also check the grass verges nearby by the hedges along the north of the site.
I visited the site on Saturday 30th May with Denise and Xmilehigh and we counted around 20 individuals. The highest concentration appeared to be in an area that is fenced off behind green railings near the car park entrance. I don't know why the area is fenced off but it is currently a useful breeding ground away from disturbance, and butterfly enthusiasts can still enjoy the many individuals that venture out to other areas.
I remember seeing a late summer brood here as well as the spring one, so there's a chance for anyone who misses the current emergence to catch them later in the year.
Odd Down Park & Ride is directly off the roundabout at the Wellsway A367/Sulis Manor Road junction, Grid ST733616. The butterflies may be found just inside the entrance adjacent to the fenced off area. Also check the grass verges nearby by the hedges along the north of the site.