DAVID'S NATURE BLOG

13 JUNE 2026 – DOWNTOWN BISHOP’S STORTFORD; GRANGE PADDOCKS and BAT WILLOW HURST CP

I hadn’t really been out anywhere local for at least three weeks, mainly down to the recent hot spell, and the subsequent wet weather. But I wanted to make amends.

I’d not yet connected with House Martins thus far this year, so my first port of call was The Maltings where the species had bred in previous years - although in diminishing numbers; and sure enough, before I ‘d even crossed the road, a pair of House Martins flew overhead - but when I looked for new nests under the eaves of the Maltings buildings, I didn’t see any further sign of any House Martins; but I did see a pair of Grey Wagtails nearby beside moored barges along the river Stort.

My next location was Castle Gardens, where I knew Mistle Thrushes had been seen regularly (I hadn’t yet recorded the species locally this year), and as soon as I approached the area, I located an adult in the long grass at the foot of the castle remains; and it was remarkably confiding. Part of the area had been planted with wildflowers, and it was wonderful to see such a superb array of different species - such as Oxeyes; Poppies; Knapweed; Cornflower; Scabious, as well as a variety of grasses.

I followed the course of the Stort through the park towards Grange Paddocks looking for butterflies and other insects amid the nettles growing profusely beside the pathway, but apart from a couple of Small Whites, all I could find were various small bee species, and Ladybirds - the vast majority of which seemed to be Harlequins and their Nymphs. One or two Banded Demoiselle Damselflies were seen too, but no other Odonata. Indeed, no butterfly species at all were seen through Grange Paddock playing fields; Cannons Mill, and Grange Paddock Meadow, and that remained the case through to Bat Willow Hurst Country Park - extremely disappointing, given that it was mid-June.

I’d decided to walk up to Bat Willow Hurst CP to try and see a few dragonfly species at this location (which had been so accommodating in previous years - although usually not until the months of July - September). I made my way quickly to the smallest pond, and carefully (very carefully, as the pond surrounds were extremely steep) made my way down to the edge, where almost immediately I found a beautiful Bee Orchid in full flower (although it was to be the only one I could find) and several Centuary plants. Then I saw my first Emperor Dragonfly of the year - a stunning female sweeping over the surface of the water and witnessed it ovipositing; then a male Azure Damselfly; and my first Four-spot Chaser of the year…………… then my second. A lone male Banded Demoiselle (flashing its wings I assumed in some sort of mating ritual); then a single male Blue-tailed Damselfly; regrettably none of them near enough to photograph. Then I went looking for butterflies, but not a single species could be found in the entire area. So, I made my way back.

I’d intended to get a bus back to town, but either I was too late, or it never arrived; so, as the next scheduled bus was an hour away, I had no choice but to walk back through Grange Paddocks Meadow; Cannons Mill etc where I saw a few Large and Small White butterflies, and my first Meadow Brown of the year. It took me just over an hour to get into town and pick up a bus to take me home.

I’d been out over four and a half hours, and was utterly shattered – down largely to the fact that I’d missed a bus, and was forced to walk back to town from Bat Willow Hurst CP. It’s quite a walk!!