Bottom Coombe Quarry, Easton, Portland clearing the footpath to the SE of the site and preparing the ground for the new display stone, due to arrive soon.

Portland - Bottom Coombe Quarry, Easton

Chalkhill Blue butterflies should be on the wing.

Today we meeting on Bottom Coombe Quarry to clear the overhanging branches on the footpath leading to Wakeham in the SE of the site. Obviously no fires.

We shall also be preparing the area at the southern end of the bridleway for the arrival of the limestone block that the new display board will be fixed to. This will involve digging out the ground with mattocks and shovels to level it.

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 9am 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.