A mixed bag at Ringstead Downs

It was a rather overcast and windy for a walk through the downs this afternoon but nevertheless there was a good wildlife selection to see.  Only 4 butterflies (3 Green-veined White and 1 Orange-tip) but other insects were around including a queen common wasp resting on a bramble leaf.

 

There were also a lot of these flies (?) on the buttercup flowers.

A large red slug was climbing up a dead stalk.

 



 

There were quite a lot of plants in flower including a few early flowers of Horseshoe Vetch.

 

Among the other plants in flower were Common Vetch, Field Pansy, Lesser Trefoil, Little Mouse-ear, Field Mouse-ear and Hairy Tare (below).