On this breezy but sunny day we were able to enjoy the delights that this well loved walk afforded us and also some of it's challenges. A small group of five gathered at St Barnabus church car park and meandered down a quiet country lane observing the lovely mixed hedgerow and flora of the verges ( stitchwort, bluebell, celandine, goldilocks buttercup, garlic mustard, cow parsley). Chaffinch and yellowhammer dropped down from the tree tops to feed on the bird seed left by kind walkers. A hare was seen bounding over the fields. Our crossing of the field leading to the bluebell woodland was not without danger, a large group of cattle came over in our direction curious about the visitors.
The bluebell woodland was at it's best in the sunlight with complementary stitchwort and red campion. Butterflies were on the wing, including orange tip both male and female in abundance, small tortoiseshell, comma, speckled wood and holly blue. Birds seen or heard included goldfinch, whitethroat, song thrush ,dunnock and blackcap as well as red kite, yellowhammer and chaffinch.
Following our visit to the woodland we returned to the church through the delightful village of Weeton. An enjoyable day out for our small band. See the photos here.
Margaret