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| Small Copper © Chris Robinson |
On a bright,
sunny morning, 16 of us set off from the Canadian Memorial car park. We entered
the woods by the gate and walked along the gravel cycle path until it veered
off to the left. We kept straight on to a green path and were immediately
surrounded by butterflies. A Small Copper caught our eye, as did a skipper
(Essex or Small, it was too quick for us to tell). There were Meadow Browns
everywhere and both Common and Silver-studded Blues were abundant. Silver-washed
Fritillary, Red Admiral and Large White were present. A Golden-ringed Dragonfly
patrolled up and down the ride, and several moths and grasshoppers were seen.
In the trees we
spotted a Tree Pipit and a Goldcrest, Robins were about and a Green Woodpecker
was heard. We followed the path downhill to the foot-bridge over Long Brook.
Here we saw Grey Wagtails and another Silver-washed.
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| Tree Pipit © Chris Robinson |
The Environment
Agency was doing a survey of the stream and we eat our biscuits whilst talking
to them. They had caught (via an electrofisher) Brown Trout, Bullhead (also
known as Miller’s Thumb), Minnows and a Brook Lamprey.
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| Four-spotted Chaser © Chris Robinson |
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| Large Skipper © Glynis Payne |
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| Common Blue - male © Glynis Payne |
We then walked
up the hill, again there was an abundance of Meadow Brown and various blue
butterflies. We saw Stonechat and Meadow Pipit and heard a Blackcap. When we
reached the top of Mockshade Hill the views were stunning. We turned left, back
into the shade of the trees and down to the pond. There were too many
dragonflies and damselflies to count. I reckon there were at least six
different species, if not more. These included Broad-bodied Chaser, Four-spotted Chaser,
Common Darter, Small Red Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly.
We continued
down the path and were surprised to see movement ahead. There is a large puddle
where water from the last rains persists. The local birds were taking advantage
of this. Nuthatch, various tits, goldfinch and a family of Long-tailed Tits
were all bathing and drinking. We stood transfixed until I made the executive
decision to move on. Only then did we see the Grass Snake slither through the
water and out on to the verge. Along the edges of the path Grey Agarics were
growing.
When we got back
to the cars most people headed off for home, but 7 of us crossed the road to
visit the holly grove across the way. We had very good views of Great-spotted
Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great Tit and Robin. Goldcrest was heard and,
as we were walking back up the cycle track, we caught a fleeting glimpse of a Redstart. CNR
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| Environment Agency Surveying © Glynis Payne |
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| Brook Lamprey © Glynis Payne |