Oxfordshire
I have not extensively explored Oxfordshire, primarily because most recorded species can be found closer to home. However, Oxfordshire provided my initial encounter with the nationally rare Common Club-tail during its annual emergence along the River Thames at Goring, which warrants mention.
The Thames’s reputation as our most renowned river has resulted in years of territorial claims, leading to the majority of the shoreline being privately owned. Goring offers an opportunity to follow its banks for a brief period and marvel at the flora and fauna that such a river can offer.
The presence of a passing mainline railway route does not disturb nature, as evidenced by the annual emergence of Common Club-tail from the concrete banks of the railway support. The reasons behind their choice of such a site remain a fascination, but further observation reveals that they select any safe and substantial location along the riverbank, whether it be concrete, a wooden jetty, or the more natural bank-side foliage.
The Thames’s reputation as our most renowned river has resulted in years of territorial claims, leading to the majority of the shoreline being privately owned. Goring offers an opportunity to follow its banks for a brief period and marvel at the flora and fauna that such a river can offer.
The presence of a passing mainline railway route does not disturb nature, as evidenced by the annual emergence of Common Club-tail from the concrete banks of the railway support. The reasons behind their choice of such a site remain a fascination, but further observation reveals that they select any safe and substantial location along the riverbank, whether it be concrete, a wooden jetty, or the more natural bank-side foliage.
Goring-On-Thames/Pangbourne
Grid Reference SU 60577 79594
The River Thames, spanning from Goring-on-Thames to Pangbourne, presents an optimal location for observing the emergence of the Common Club-tail Dragonfly.
Park your vehicle at the terminus of Manor Road and proceed south-easterly until you encounter the railway station. Subsequently, follow the railway down to the riverbank.
Park your vehicle at the terminus of Manor Road and proceed south-easterly until you encounter the railway station. Subsequently, follow the railway down to the riverbank.
Engage in an exploration of the concrete ramparts, where you will find emerging Club-tails, and venture into the vegetation and foliage surrounding the riverbank in search of tenerals.
An alternative and my personal favourite is to scour the west bank from Church Farm to Pangbourne. Park at Beale Park Wildlife Park and go through the gate to access the river.
Check the foliage along the riverbank and the trees and bushes opposite