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About the Trap Grounds


The Trap Grounds Town Green & Local Wildlife Site in north Oxford lies immediately south of the Frenchay Road canal bridge (nearest postcode OX2 6TF). An information board on the towpath marks the entrance to three acres of reed bed and seven acres of woodland, grassland, stream, and ponds. The site (open to visitors 24/7) is owned by Oxford City Council and managed for conservation, recreation, and education by the Friends of the Trap Grounds, a group of local volunteers. For more information about current events and activities, the history and wildlife status of the site, and our campaign to save it as a Town Green, visit www.trap-grounds.org.uk. You can also contact the Secretary via the website.

If you are not an authorised poster and would like to submit a photo for consideration for posting on this blog then please e-mail: cmrobinson DOT oxford AT gmail DOT com

Friday, September 6, 2019

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Autumn approaches, but butterflies are still plentiful on the Trap Grounds. Nicola photographed this Red Admiral (which she describes as "bold and brassy") on a Buddleia bush on 1 September. The most important food plant for the larva is Common Nettle - of which there is no shortage on the TG.

Red Admiral, Trap Grounds, 1 September 2019 (Nicola Devine)

Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus)

On the following day Nicola photographed this Common Green grasshopper (male), sharing a leaf with an unidentified wasp. The males display to females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a loud churring noise known as 'stridulation'. After mating, the eggs are laid in the soil ready to hatch the following spring.

Common Green Grasshopper, Trap Grounds, 2 September 2019 (Nicola Devine)



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1 comment:

  1. MartinWainwrightSeptember 8, 2019 at 12:12 AM

    Hello! Just to say how much Penny and I appreciate getting the regular bulletin and enjoying the outstanding photos.

    I had a lovely sunny visit to the TG two weeks ago and was very impressed at the combination of wild beauty with accessibility. One thing that surprised me was how few butterflies were about compared to the field edges around Thrupp where we live. Port Meadow which I crossed from bottom to top on my way home was also disappointing - I scarcely saw any.

    By contrast, the TG ponds were alive with dragonflies. Lovely!

    Thanks v much again and all warm wishes to all involved

    Martin Wainwright - and of course Penny

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