Yellow Wort

We found this little plant on the slopes of Uley Bury this morning on our walk before the forecast rain. As we were unfamiliar with it, we were pleased to identify Yellow Wort from our various books. It is apparently common on chalk or limestone grassland, such as here in the Cotswolds. One of the Gentian family along with other members it's flowers close up in the afternoon which might be the reason that we hadn't noticed it before as we often seem to walk up there later in the day. The leaves are in pairs on the stem and a bluish grey colour. The petals of its yellow flowers vary between six and eight petals joined into a tube at the base.

Meadow Brown Butterfly

Now is the time to see meadow brown butterflies flying in many different habitats particularly in flowery grassland as this one was seen feeding on bramble amongst the limestone grassland near Uley
Pictured is the male as the female is a lot more orange in colour.

Limestone grassland in summer

 Limestone grassland on Uley bury is at it's most spectacular at the moment with common spotted and pyramid orchids flowering in profusion.

Marbled White Butterfly

We visited Daneway Banks Reserve to search for Large Blue butterflies without success but we were rewarded by the sight of many Marbled White butterflies roosting in the grassland of the reserve.
This striking black and white butterfly thrives in the natural limestone grassland of the reserve and is usually seen in June and July.

Summer Solstice

Summer solstice is here and we had hoped for a sunset picture on the longest day but sadly a band of cloud obscured the sun. The sky was still spectacular as the sun set at it's most northerly point.
It is a leap year the solstice date is a day early.