The day was very hot, the first of the year, Steve Parnell led nine members first round “Madeleine’s Patch HQ” which is an area the Steve and Madeleine had created in back of the house which consisted of a number of ponds most of which were lines and a mound with a large number of different plants many planted, but many wild. This area had many damselflies and dragonflies including Azure Damselflies and Four Spot Chasers.

Behind the mound was an orchard area with many different types of apple, greengage and other tree. The open grassy areas adjacent were covered in creeping buttercup.

After going round another pond and paddocks we walked up to Madeleine’s Patch proper which is field that as bought in 2018 in memory of Steve’s late wife. It has be sown with wild flowers, and it is now full of a great variety of plant including Yellow Rattle and Daisies. It also supports a large number of insects including Bush Cricket.

The farm track up to Madeleine’s Patch has been planted each side with Hawthorn hedges where they were permitted by the farmers who owned the adjacent fields. It is hoped to extend this further in the future.

Madeleine's Patch HQ	Four Spot Chase