Low Ox Pasture

Kilnsey Crag

private property

Northern Brown Argus Transect

Sites Description:

NB :This is a private site with no public access and permissions are required to survey

Recorders: Paul Millard + Andrew Rhodes + Nyree Fernley Distance: 1422m Altitude 279m Walk Time 50 mins

The transect is located above Kilnsey Crag and lies within the Malham and Arncliffe SSSI. The habitat comprises species rich calcareous grassland and is one of the larger Northern Brown Argus colonies in Wharfedale. Populations of BAP moth species Least Minor Photedes captiuncula, locally scarce Thyme Plume Merrifieldia leucodactyla and Cistus Forester Adscita geryon are also present.

Sections:


Results: 2022

There has been a considerable increase in abundance on this site over the last 9 years nearly doubling over this period. Northern Brown Argus is holding its own although this last year was a bit of a disaster possibly with the drought. Small Skipper returned in numbers for the first time this year indicating there are some changes in the grassland habitat which are positive. In contrast Common Blue seems to going down while teh browns are going up and teh steap rise iN meadow brown this year more than compensates for a disaster in the Vanessids which has occured throughout teh county . Dark green fritillary is also rising quite fast even though it is well down this year.

TRANSECT REPORTS