Dorset 2022

RSPB Arne - May

A testing but rewarding site to visit its size makes it difficult but the inhabitants make it well worth the effort. Well known for the abundance of Dartford Warbler.

Images - Dartford Warbler. Corn Spurry, Sea Milkwort, Common Heath

Durlston Park - May

One of the best all round sites in Dorset far too many species both flora and fauna to list I always give this site a couple of visits when I'm down there .

Images - Wild Clary, Three-cornered Garlic, Common Broomrape, Adonis Blue, Carrot Broomrape, Stinking Iris.

Morden Bog - May

A vast expanse of heath and bog a taxing area to explore but worth the effort.

Images - Common Cotton-grass, Striped Ladybird, Pitcherplant x2

Brackets Coppice, Cerne Abbas, and Powerstock Common - June

I've lumped these 3 site together as they're all known as great areas for butterflies but as with all wildlife areas they have sooo much more to see.

Images - Marsh Fritillary x2, Forester Moth, Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Chalk Milkwort, Grizzled Skipper, Oak Eggar caterpillar, Burnet Campion, Green Hair-streak, Heath Spotted Orchid, Garden Chafer.

Wareham Area - June

This covers the area around the old gravel pits to the east of the town known as Swineham between the rivers Frome and Piddle. On a wander around the gravel pits we counted 27 singing Cettis Warblers.

Images - Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil, Depressaria daucella (caterpillar), Bloody-nose Beetle, Red-headed Cardinal Beetle, Misumena vatia (spider with lunch), Rose Chafer, Yellow Vetch (pale form), Round-leafed Cranesbill