Sorby Natural History Society of Sheffield survey of Shene Field 

A good turnout of Sorby members, under the leadership of Jim Horsfall, arrived at 2.00 pm on Sunday 9th July to carry out the survey. They were met at the gate by the BEG Chair who passed on a copy of the results of a BEG botanical survey carried out some years ago. Unfortunately the gate had not been unlocked, contrary to what they had been told, so everyone had to climb over the gate. There was an excellent view of a buzzard flying fairly low above. On the positive side we were emailed a draft copy of most of the species that were found, and the list is very impressive. It serves to remind us of the reason the field was put forward to be included in the Stewardship scheme in the first place, many years ago! The grazing which has been made possible by Graves Park plays an important part in the management, and is evidently successful in maintaining a good and diverse habitat. 

Species identified: 70 flowers and grasses, 3 ferns, 13 tree species, 13 insects, 9 of which were butterflies, 4 bird species, 1 spider, 1 amphibian (frog), l mammal (European Mole), 1 fungus (Ash Dieback). A complete list is given below: