Saturday 3rd August 2024, 11:00am-1:00am

Westbury Beacon BC Reserve, Mendip Hills

Contact

  • John Ball or (Peter Bright)
  • 01749 870127 (John) or 07875 187097 (Peter)

51.253124557887, -2.7081760390869

 

Westbury Beacon BC Reserve, Mendip Hills

This walk takes us to our newest branch BC reserve (purchased in 2015)where we are reintroducing grazing after a gap of many years.

The site’s commanding location high over the Levels explains the presence of a Bronze Age tumulus, long used as a beacon site, and is also the reason for its use for radar testing and Cold War military observation. The legacy of this is a number of intriguing structures alongside the prehistoric burial mound.

Chalk Hill Blue - Andrew Cooper
Chalkhill Blue

Walk Leader: John Ball (Joint Honorary Reserve Warden) - not Peter Bright who is listed in Arion.

Target species:  Chalkhill Blues, Small Skippers, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and several other species also possible.

Directions:   Meet at OS Grid: ST 507 507 near the small covered reservoir, where parking is limited along the road edge (Broad Road), so please share transport if possible.  Farm vehicles use the road so get in tight to the hedges. (Nearest postcode: BA5 1JH)

What3Words:  ///rally.cling.clenching

Public toilets:  Cheddar: Gorge (BS27 3QJ)


Information that applies to all our guided walks

  • New for 2024 - All guided walks need to be pre-booked.  Please contact the walk leader (up to 24hrs in advance).  Contact details (email and/or phone) are on the left hand side of this event page.
  • There is no charge for the walks. Children and beginners are especially welcome.
  • Butterfly Conservation members from other branch areas are welcome to join us.
  • No dogs please as some of the sites have livestock on them.
  • Except where indicated, all walks start promptly at 11.00 am; please take care to arrive in good time.  They are taken at an easy pace and we aim to finish around 1.00 - 1.30 pm.
  • Many sites include steep, rough or wet ground so stout shoes, boots or wellies are recommended. Please inform the walk leader if you have health problems that might affect you on the walk.
  • Please be aware of the growing risk of Lyme Disease and take appropriate precautions against ticks. (click here for more information about ticks and Lyme disease)
  • If the weather is wet or unseasonably cold and dull, the walk will be cancelled. If you have a query about the walk please phone the Walk Leader.