Open skies at RAF Upper Heyford

A group of friends visited RAF Upper Heyford today and had a tour of the various historic buildings, many of which are now listed though in very bad condition.  Upper Heyford was a military airfield used in both World Wars and Post-War. During World War Two, the airfield had three concrete runways and six aircraft hangars (Type A). 

In 1950, the United States Air Force moved into the airfield as part of the NATO defences against the Cold War. The Americans lengthened the airfield’s main runway and built new facilities including bomb store structures with an “igloo”-like appearance in a fenced compound, protected by guard towers. In the 1970s and 1980s the role changed to a fighter base and further modifications were made, making it the largest base of its kind in Europe at that time, Some of these additions included the avionics maintenance building (a semi sunken bunker designed to survive nuclear attack).

In 1980, 56 Quick Reaction Alert hardened aircraft shelters were added. There was also a battle command centre and hardened telephone exchange. In 1993 the USA left and the airfield returned to the Royal Air Force control, closing in 1994.

First some infrared images of the buildings and summer sky.

 

Marbled Whites Exactly on Cue

I saw my first Marbled Whites in Toft on Monday but only singles and not in their usual roost area. Last evening they were there roosting - perhaps 10 so not yet in previous large numbers but fingers crossed for a good year. Light pretty low by the time I took these.

Wicken Fen on a Warm Windy Day

Wicken is looking at its best with the water lilies in full bloom and lots of dragonflies and damselflies (Emperor, Blue-tailed, Azure, Common Darter, and Black-tailed Skimmer). There were also sufficient Hoverflies to keep me happy and several cuckoos for Phil to photograph.

Final Images from Dorset

A few images from our final two days in Dorset, which were spent close to Higher Kingcombe. Heath Spotted and Bee Orchid, wonderful picture wing fly and small dung Fly, Scarlet Tiger Moths mating, Large Skipper, Banded Demoiselle male and female, Beautiful Demoiselle mature male, immature male and female, translucent spider and 4-spot chaser. To be different, I have concluded with one of the many misty dawns that I viewed from the Lodge .

Hawk Conservancy Andover

It was overcast with a strong wind and spots of rain so not ideal for a visit to the Hawk Conservancy HQ at Andover. The displays are very good with the birds obviously happy to perform - often in large groups and then return voluntarily to their aviaries. The Milky Eagle Owl flew very low as did the Hooded Vultures and Kites. The Griffin Vulture tended to keep low over the meadows - I don't think many people would like that large bill coming at them.  Swallows nested in many of the buildings.