Ancient Oak Trail, Severnake Forest

Inspired by an entry in Wootton Rivers (Cowley D. and Cowley J. illustrated by Swift A., undated, self published), A and I set off for Savernake Forest to explore the ancient and veteran oaks (Quercus robur sp.).

We walked Ca. 13.5km in just over 4.5hrs. following the trail guide available at:

The Savernake Tree Trail

Afterwards we had a lovely dinner at the aptly named:

The Royal Oak

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Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi) .. another garden record

Whilst packing away the moth trap on the 21st of October, I found a dead female Wasp Spider behind the moth trap backing sheet.

This afternoon, whilst wandering about the recently cut wildflower lawn, I noticed an egg sac hanging within its silken web.

This is only the second time I have seen an adult of this species in the garden the first being a male “moth trap intruder” in July 2022, after which I also found three egg sacs in the October.

Wasp Spider. A new garden record