Most Lym
Nats walks follow the proposed programme like clockwork, but today’s meeting at
Piper’s Wait, had one or two unexpected twists. Unusually this report covers some of the extra curricular activities. With roadworks disrupting travel it turned out that two walks took place simultaneously!
Piper’s
Wait (part 1)
Piper’s
Wait just happened to be in one of the squares that Duncan had been allocated
as part of the Hampshire Ornithological Society’s Woodlark survey, so he and
Richard decided to fit in a required visit ahead of the Lym Nats walk and that
meant leaving Lymington at 07:00! At Brockenhurst they had to detour to avoid
the closure of the road for a collision, apparently involving two cars, that took
place at the level crossing an hour earlier. Nearing the study area they saw an
early male Wheatear at Janesmore and a few minutes later were on site to cover
the area between Longcross Pond and the Piper’s Wait car park - the rendezvous
for the walk.
It
was gloriously sunny, but there was a biting northly wind that drove ominous black
clouds from which snow appeared to be falling, although that was melting on reaching
lower levels. Before long there was a complete reversal of the weather as
stinging, horizontal and driving rain significantly reduced visibility out on
the exposed heath forcing the intrepid duo to seek shelter in a Holly thicket.
With no improvement in sight they phoned Adrian, the walk’s leader,
recommending that the walk be cancelled, but that they would stay at Piper’s
Wait in case anyone turned up.
After
a while a clearance came through and the sun reappeared, but we had no idea
that the road from Nomansland was closed for repairs until Duncan had a ‘phone call from Chris. Unfortunately he was on
the wrong side, so would not be joining us! By the appointed hour five
stalwarts were on site and although the wind was still vicious they set-off. Over
the next two hours or so strong gusts nearly blew the telescopes over on
occasions, but they were saved by good slip-catching by party members.
 |
Yellow Brain © Richard Coomber
|
Although
we failed to see the hoped for Goshawks, there were several sightings of soaring
Common Buzzard and Ravens as well as passing Stock Doves. Small birds were few
and far between – distant Woodlarks, telescope views of Skylarks, a male
Stonechat and Meadow Pipits. There were a few species of fungi to be seen: Dung
Roundhead on horse poo, Yellow Brain on Gorse ‘trunks’ and guess where Duncan
found Bracken Map?
Luckily
further stormy showers passed to the north and south of us, and when we returned
to the cars we all agreed that in spite of the conditions it had all been
worthwhile and invigorating. There was a sting in the tail however, for by that
time the rolling road repairs had closed the route to the south. Duncan went
along and negotiated our exit in less than three minutes. Perhaps we should
offer his services to Number 10! (RC)
Piper’s
Wait (part 2)
 |
| In Bramshaw Wood © Tina Vaughan |
Despite heavy rain on the journey to Piper’s Wait, a road
closure, sheep and cattle in the road and absence our leader an intrepid group
of ten had an enjoyable walk around a very wet Bramshaw Wood, largely in the
sunshine, with Brian Vaughan navigating a circular route.
 |
| Exida plana © Glynis Payne |
We were treated to a flash of blue from a Jay and a flurry of
Chaffinches as we set out and a lone Goldcrest flitting around a Holly tree
very close to us. On a scrubby heath in a cold and strong northerly wind we
found Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare with Blue Tits in adjacent bushes before
moving into the welcome shelter of the wood. Also recorded were Buzzard and Great Spotted Wood-pecker.
 |
| Oyster Rollrim © Glynis Payne |
Here
we found two donkeys and a variety of bracket fungi, including Turkeytail
Trametes versicolor and a large clump
of two species of jelly fungus on some dead wood: a black globular mass like a
brain called Exida plana and a
similar form but of clear jelly with dark centres resembling frog spawn called
Crystal Brain Exida nucleata. Another
interesting fungus found nearby was Oyster Rollrim Tapinella panuoides with
its convoluted cap.
Marsh Tits were heard singing but never seen, but Long-tailed
Tits, Great Tits and a Nuthatch were heard and seen as we came close to
returning to our car park in Nomansland. (RP)