The forecast was not inspiring; if the predicted showers were like the day before we would get very wet. In the end, the clouds were magnificent, the sun shone and it didn’t rain until we were all driving home.
We did this walk four years ago, and, inspired by David Attenbourough’s Oxford Gardens TV programme, we revisited Waterstoke Mill. No otters in sight today though.
Team photo on the bridge over the Thame, just past the mill.
Lots of painted lady butterflies in the rape fields, and a field of buttercups outside Shabbington.
St. Mary Magdelene Church, Shabbington, has an impressive pair of butresses holding up the tower. “Parts of nave and chancel circa 1100. Chancel remodelled c1340. Nave windows c1340, mostly restored, late C15 west tower.” [source]. I can’t find when the butresses were added but could have been part of a major renovation in the 1880’s. Although another source says the tower “has been strengthened by massive Western Buttresses at some time after the date of its Erection.”
Down by the pub, a “traditional” footpath sign
Walking back along the River Thame, we heard cuckoo and saw a few (not many, too cold and windy perhaps) mayfly and dragonfly. Here’s a Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) fatally trapped in a spider’s web.
Saint Michael’s chapel, Rycote, was built in 1449.
Rycote Chapel Greyhounds, dated 2018-19
Blackbird eggs and a benchmark in the gallery.
More detail about the chapel and the greyhound in the notes from our last visit. We saw more “interesting” insects that time (including spiders and caterpillars)..
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