Staffordshire MAD - 3rd August 1997 - Staffordshire Moorlands

MAD = Millennium Action Day - ed.

Despite much advance publicity both within the branch and the local media only three people attended in an effort to record sites and species as a contribution to the Millennium Atlas. At the agreed meeting point we were greeted by Pat Callaghan, who presents her ‘Country Wise’ programme for Radio Stoke: Pat interviewed all three of us, including new member Chris Young from Wolverhampton. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the turnout was that no one from the north Staffordshire area turned up to participate.

Initially, Castern Wood was investigated for any potential Northern Brown Argus but none were seen - possibly due to cool, overcast conditions or maybe the species were recorded on the limestone slopes and further down towards the floor of the Manifold Valley. We then decided to explore an area where no records are already held and made our way to Ladyside, an NT site near Wetton Mill. This site occurs a few miles away from Castern but is still part of the Manifold Valley - incidentally, an ideal area for cycling. There was plenty of visual interest too; caves, abandoned lead mine workings, interesting flora. Three common species were noted on site - possibly more given improved weather.

Philip Hopson

Go MAD in Shropshire July 27th.