Charity butterfly walks near Shipston set to begin this week

The walks will be held at Blackberry Farm, Halford, from Thursday July 1 to Saturday July 31. The minimum donation for adults is £5 and under 16 is free.

For the fifth year, Richard Gray is running his beautiful Butterfly Walks at Blackberry Farm, Halford, near Shipston in aid of the charity Shipston Home Nursing - Hospice Care at Home. Last year he raised over £2,000 for the charity.

Throughout July groups of families and friends can book an individual time to follow the approximately one-and-a-half mile walk round Blackberry Farm’s fields with uninterrupted views across the Stour Valley.

The walk, situated between Halford and Honington, along mown paths through fields brimming with butterflies (weather permitting), also features a competition for children to spot and count beautiful wooden animal sculptures dotted around the paths (and perhaps receive a chocolate reward!).

Walkers may spot many British native butterflies including Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Gatekeepers, Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Brimstones, Commas or even Hairstreaks.

Last year Henry, a seven-year-old butterfly enthusiast, saw a White Letter Hairstreak and a Hummingbird Hawk Moth: “It’s like being in heaven”, he said, shaking with excitement.

Please call Richard Gray to book your family/group time slot: 07977 587911

Richard Gray runs his farm as a wildlife haven, particularly for butterflies and moths, with plants and vegetation managed to encourage breeding and to feed their caterpillars. He sees the walks as an opportunity to share with a wider audience his love of ‘little fliers’ and the need to preserve for them the best natural environment.

Location

Blackberry Farm, Halford, Shipston-On-Stour, CV36 5DL - Ample free parking

Photos attached:

1. View across Blackberry Farm to Tredington Church

2. Marbled White Butterfly

3. Children with Hawkmoth