Page 9 - Wildlife News December 2015

Roman snail. Bacombe Hill Sefcourriwnigldslpifaeces
(Rob Lewis)
Stunning views across the Vale of Aylesbury can be Juniper shieldbug.
enjoyed from Bacombe Hill, east of Coombe Hill and (Peter Creed)
the last chalk hill before the Wendover Gap. This
special site was identified as an important haven for
wildlife more than a century ago, when Sir Charles
Rothschild included it as one of his famous Rothschild’s
Reserves, many of which went on to become among
the country’s most treasured wildlife reserves. On this
chalk downland you will find the charismatic Chiltern
gentian, beautiful pyramidal orchids and a variety of
butterflies such as the chalkhill blue.

(Rob Lewis) (Rob Lewis)

Pavis Woods, now part of Dancersend

The transfer of Pavis, Northill and Black Woods to the existing
Dancersend nature reserve provides a significant additional
35 hectares of tranquil beech woodland located to the
southeast of the existing site. Dancersend is the Trust’s oldest
nature reserve. The site hosts a wide range of woodland
and downland wildlife, making it a must-visit whether your
interest is flora, fauna, fungi or even plant galls! Dancersend
also has strong Rothschild family connections.

(Paul Buck) (Cathie Hasler)

Hog and Hollowhill Woods

Hog and Hollowhill Woods near Marlow lies within the
Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation. These
woods support an amazing array of fungi – more than 150
species have been recorded – and is close to Homefield Wood,
so why not make time to visit both nature reserves?

December 2015 9