Bottom Coombe Quarry, Easton, Portland - cutting and clearing up Cotoneaster, clematis and bramble brash and burning up

Portland - Bottom Coombe Quarry, Easton

Last week we spread the large scraped area south of the new development at Bottom Coombe with wildflower seed collected locally this summer.

And this is the area we spread with seed two seasons ago at the Silklake site nearby. A fantastic display of Kidney Vetch this summer (and Small Blue butterflies!)

Today (Wednesday October 14th) we shall be working in the SE corner of the Bottom Coombe Quarry site to clear up the Cotoneaster, Clematis and bramble brash cut several weeks ago and burn it up as long as conditions allow. There should be time to cut more of the Cotoneaster and other scrub. Please join us if you can!

This area of Bottom Coombe Quarry below the Windmills at Easton is a renowned butterfly site with Small Blues, Silver-studded Blues and Chalkhill Blues as well as many other species of invertebrates, and there were very good numbers of Blues last season.  And wonderful wildflowers.

Silver-studded Blue, the limestone form on Portland is now extremely scarce

Last autumn’s clematis and bramble cutting – before

and after. We are aiming to kept the clematis and Buddleia under control to allow the grassland to recover

Meet at 8.30am at the end of Park Road O.S. ref: SY691714,

or walk to find us if you arrive later.
What3Words: hobbies.fury.cabs

Parking is further along Park Road: O.S. SY691716

What3Words: bitter.keener.pens and see google map.
Bring your lunch and refreshments and if you have them, bring your tools: loppers, bow, secateurs, and gloves. And bring shears if you have them. Otherwise we can provide tools. If you are a ticketed brushcutter or chainsaw operator, please bring your own PPE.
This project is a collaboration between three local Community Interest Companies (CIC’s): EuCAN, The Portland Association and Portland Nature.
It would help us plan (though not essential) if you can let us know if you are hoping to join us.