Chevin Forest Park GeoTrail #16: Memorial Benches | Speckled Wood
The 16th cache of the series, a small camo-taped plastic pot, is located at a shady rest area with several benches just below the main trail heading along the ridge from Surprise View.
For background info on the Chevin Forest Park including a map showing parking options, trails and cache locations, see GCB7RA1.
To Find the Cache:
1. At the published coordinates just north of the lovely small oak tree you will be standing in front of the 1st bench, dedicated to renowned local historian & author Elise who was an expert on Otley’s pubs and collected so many local newspapers that the floor of her loft had to be reinforced. She was born in 194A and the number of letters in her middle name = B.
2. Move across to the 2nd bench in memory of the Haleys – Tom, born in 19C8 and Mary who died in the Dth month of 2020.
3. Just to the east the 3rd bench is named after and dedicated to Broonie. The alphanumeric value (A=1 B=2 C=3 etc) of the 1st letter of his name = E. He passed away in 201F.
4. Finally, notice the metal plate attached to, and being gradually eaten by the tree. The number of Ts in Muriel’s surname = G
The cache is hidden nearby at:
N 53 53.(B+G)(D-F)(A-B) W 1 41.F(E-C)B
This is just the kind of area where you might one of the commonly occurring insects on The Chevin, but which will still require some careful observation to spot - the Speckled Wood Butterfly (Pararge aegeria).
Its name derives from its characteristic appearance and habitat preferences. It is most often seen fluttering through dappled woodland glades and hedgerows, where sunlight filters through the canopy to create its favoured patchwork of light and shadow.
It is medium-sized, with a wingspan of 47-56mm. Its wings are dark brown with creamy-yellow spots, and males are typically darker than females. The forewings display four or five pale spots, while the hindwings feature a row of eye-spots along the margins. When viewed in flight, this pattern gives a speckled effect that helps camouflage the butterfly among the leaf litter and sun-dappled woodland floor.
The underside of the wings is more muted, allowing for excellent concealment when the butterfly is at rest with its wings closed. Unlike many other UK butterfly species that bask with open wings, it often perches with wings closed or partly open in shaded areas, particularly males defending territories.
It is widely distributed across the British Isles, except in some high-altitude regions and exposed uplands. Its range has expanded in recent decades, possibly due to climate change and the natural regeneration of woodlands and scrub habitats.
Its preferred habitats are deciduous or mixed woodlands, particularly those with sunny clearings, rides, or edges. However, it is also commonly seen in parks, gardens, and hedgerows where suitable dappled light and vegetation occur. The butterfly tends to favour areas where bramble, grasses, and ivy grow, providing both food sources and shelter. It also seems to prefer slightly damper areas - so keep an eye out around patches of tall grass and shady spots.
It is active during the day and feeds on aphid honeydew, a sugary liquid excreted by small insects when they feed on plants. It also feeds on flowers and fruits when aphid activity is low.
It is unique among British butterflies in that it can overwinter either as a caterpillar or as a pupa, depending on environmental conditions. This flexibility allows for 2-3 broods/year in the south of the UK, and 1-2 further north. Adults are typically on the wing from March-October, with peaks in spring and late summer.
Females lay their eggs singly on grass blades, particularly on species like Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), Couch grass (Elymus repens), and False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum). After hatching 1-3 weeks later (depending on the weather), the bright green caterpillars feed on the grasses and undergo several moults before pupating. The pupae are well-camouflaged and can be suspended or lie on the ground among leaf litter.
Males exhibit territorial behaviour, often returning to the same sunlit spot within the woodland to wait for passing females. They engage in aerial spirals with rival males in short, fluttering fights (see here). These display flights are characteristic of the species and are often seen in good weather - butterflies are more likely to fly if the temperature is >16°C with little wind and the sun shining.
Females may employ thanatosis – pretending to be dead if they wish to avoid the over-persistent attentions of a courting male (or ‘leave me alone, can’t you see I’m dead’.)
It is currently not of conservation concern and is considered common and stable in the UK. Its numbers have increased significantly since the 1970s, aided by milder winters and possibly by changes in woodland management and regeneration of hedgerows and neglected land.
It is monitored as part of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS), which gives valuable info on broader trends in biodiversity and climate impact. Its sensitivity to microclimates makes it an important indicator species for woodland health and ecological connectivity.
So, in summary it is a resilient and adaptable species, well-suited to the UK’s temperate woodlands and semi-natural habitats. As woodlands are preserved and expanded, the future of this attractive butterfly appears secure and it should continue to thrive.
Links: see here for more info, see here, here and here (spiral sparring) for short videos.
