Page 8 - Wildlife News April 2015
P. 8
peaarrtahlydise
Our newest nature reserve is among our most spectacular. Thanks to your support Yoesden
Bank’s stunning chalk grassland wild flowers will continue to dazzle for many years to come
On a warm, early since the Second World War, Timeless beauty result is an extraordinarily
summer’s day, with the which makes those fragments rich tapestry of wild flowers,
sun on your back and that remain very special indeed. Yoesden Bank has changed which in turn makes Yoesden
a spring in your step, there is Last autumn you helped to little over the centuries. Set one of the best butterfly sites
no better place to be than high save one of these remnants. on a southwest-facing slope in the county.
up on one of the Chiltern Hills’ Thanks to the generous gifts opposite the 12th-century
chalk grasslands. With nothing of our members, along with St Mary’s Church at Radnage, Bucks Nature Reserves
but the low thrum of insects grants from bodies such as Buckinghamshire, these Manager, Mark Vallance
for company, these precious the Heritage Lottery Fund, chalk downland have been explains why Yoesden Bank is
wildflower-rich habitats offer more than £150,000 was grazed since medieval times. so special: “The nature reserve
the perfect antidote to our raised to purchase Yoesden This grazing – by sheep and, is on a steep slope, which makes
ever-busier lives. Bank, BBOWT’s newest – and in recent years, cattle – has it inaccessible for ploughing – a
arguably one its finest – combined with the thin, fate that destroyed so much
More than 80% of chalk nature reserves. nutrient-poor soil to control chalk grassland during the
grassland has disappeared fast-growing grasses. The war years. This is why Yoesden
(Wendy Tobitt) Ched George, volunteer warden for Yoesden Bank, shares his love of this reserve
I moved to Radnage in 1991 and have been recording the butterflies here ever since, including the return of the rare Adonis
blue to Yoesden in 1998 after many years absence.
Following the Chilterns Conservation Board’s initiation of invading scrub and ash clearance within the clearing of
Yoesden Wood I sought help from friends in west London to continue this work. A small but enthusiastic group has helped
on a number of work parties since 2009. This clearing is my favourite area because it is the main location for resident grizzled
skipper and silver-washed fritillary butterflies.
Wonderful views can be enjoyed from the top of the main bank all year round. If you are lucky you may spot a great
green bush-cricket or hear its stridulations. In recent years the chalkhill blue population has numbered thousands.
Last year I was pleased to rediscover bird’s-nest orchid within the conifer plantation and find twayblade orchids, which
is a new species record for the site. I still search in vain for that elusive early gentian.
I now look forward to supporting BBOWT’S guardianship and welcoming new visitors.
8 Wildlife news