For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Monday 12 April 2010

North Downs circular, Sat. 11 April 2010

This is the view of the North Downs from the south, half way round our walk.  Click on the picture to expand it.
We started from Margery Wood car park and if you click here you can view the route on the Ordnance Survey site
After fine views from Colley Hill, which are unimpressive in a photo, we descended though a gloomy yew wood to open ground with views across to Box Hill.
Spring flowers were blooming; above violets and wild strawberries on the hillside.  Peacock and yellow brimstone butterflies were common on this day.
We walked through this coppiced hazel wood where dormice boxes had been placed by volunteers working with the National Trust.  This is one of 12 sites in Surrey where dormice are found.  It is hoped that the installation of the boxes will favour this endangered species.
The first white dead nettle that I had seen.
A fine clump of white violet by the North Downs Way.


We saw our first bluebell of the year.
 How does wood sorrel thrive in such unlikely places?
The North Downs have quite a different feel to the South Downs.  For a start, Surrey has little or no mud compared to Sussex.  The start point for this walk is 5 minutes from the M25, in case you might be tempted to take a short break in a journey.

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