Thursday 26 June 2014

Fluttering Beyond Downland Fences.


For this week's 'Good Fences' hosted by TexWisGirl I am taking you on one of my recent leisurely strolls following the lines of the old iron fences, many subsequently replaced by newer wood and wire, across the chalk downland at Denbies Hillside as I search for some of the inhabitants of this special habitat.

First to show itself is a resting Large Skipper.
  

The fence leads to a gate at the lower edge of Steers Field where views of the valley below with its patchwork of fields and woodland begin to open up.

From one of the nearby clumps of bramble I hear the scolding calls of a Common Whitethroat who I watch as it forages for insects for its brood hidden deep in the undergrowth.

Just beyond the gate I take a welcome rest in the shade and scan the hillside for any 'flutter' activity. While I am enjoying the extensive southerly views a far more energetic person descends the slope. [The iron fence was erected way back in the 1890's by William Joseph, who owned Denbies House and Estate.]

After a bit of searching I finally find the first of many Marbled Whites, one of the downlands special butterflies. Having recently emerged the hillside is alive with the males crisscrossing the grassy slopes on the lookout for a mate. [I will be sharing more images of this black and white beauty in a forthcoming post.]

Finally it is time for me to leave the views and flutters behind and commence the long ascent under a glorious blue sky back towards the car park.   FAB.


20 comments:

  1. Pretty scenic views and a cute bird. Love the butterflies. Great series!

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  2. Beautiful put together, especially the Marbled White butterfly, fantastic.

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  3. It was thoroughly enjoyable sharing your walk with you Frank. Spectacular scenery there, just the ticket for relaxing ambles and spending some quiet time. I love that beautiful black and white butterfly. It must be a nice feeling seeing so many of them at once :D)

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  4. O, your fence photos are just BEAUTIFUL..love the gate and countryside is out of this world.
    Love the whole post.

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  5. i like the mix of fences - see a lot of that in texas, too. :) such pretty rolling terrain! thanks, frank!

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  6. Love the birds and butterflies Frank.

    I am surrounded by fences here.....not really a fence sort of girl. Give me a hedge or dry stone wall any day :) Great post though..........

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  7. Wonderful fences and wildlife - including a jogger. ;)

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  8. Wow, thanks for bringing us along too. How wonderful, and what an amazing place to roam. I especially like the cap on the fence post in the first photo!

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  9. beautiful photos...what a pretty place this is!

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  10. I enjoyed the walk Frank. A nice variety of fences, lovely scenery, pretty butterflies, and a sweet little bird, all beautifully photographed!

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  11. Nice collection of fences and butterflies.

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  12. Hi Frank ... Just loves the fences, and the beautiful countryside !! he black and white is gorgeous!!!

    Grace

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  13. Incredibly beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing, Frank.

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  14. The scenery is so beautiful there! I enjoyed seeing the fencing, butterflies and bird.

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  15. Great post - and I LOVE your fences! I should be back blogging full-time next week

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  16. Hi Frank beautiful scenes and perspectives in these shots. Love the close up shots of the fences and also the butterflies. Great post.

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  17. These were great. That old iron fence is pretty cool. I'm glad part of it still stands. Lots of great views here.

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  18. thanks for a lovely walkabout.....

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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