Lakeside Rocks8 people travelling by minibus met 3 car travellers for this weeks trip to Plumpton Rocks. Most of us were clad in waterproofs as there had been heavy rain en route and we were prepared for a soaking. Fortunately it was dry when we arrived but it was very cold and blustery. The morning was spent exploring Plumpton Rocks, originally a man made lake but very beautiful being skirted on one side by woodland with a fantastic display of bluebells and on the other side by dramatic rocks. One of the conifers had numerous flies clinging to the lower trunk. A treecreeper was seen on a tree in the car park. On the lake canada geese were nesting and a mandarin duck flew in and disappeared out of view. Three buzzards soared high above the lake. Other birding highlights included the first swift of the year, green woodpecker, black cap, red kite and grey wagtail. The total bird count was 41. It was amazing to see large trees growing on the rocks, some of them with large exposed tangled roots. After lunching at Plumpton Rocks we regrouped in the car park and following a brief trip out for a toilet break we set off on our 3 mile walk on field paths. We saw lots of pigs of various sizes. The little ones were very lively. The largest one gave some cause for concern as it seemed to be stuck in the mud and unable to stand on its back legs but on the return path we were relieved to see the same pig safely tucked up in his shelter. Botanical highlights included the bluebells, yellow pimpernel,
Inkcaps?
Female Orange Tipyellow archangel and sandwort. There was quite a swathe of yellow archangel and it looked so pretty where it intermingled with the bluebells. 85 plants in flower were recorded. A solitary butterfly, a female orange tip was seen. A few fungi were seen including jelly ear, and possibly some type of inkcap. Just as we were on the home stretch light rain started and as we drove back the rain became heavy once again. We felt that we had been so lucky with the weather. It was a lovely day out and we were grateful to Brian and Marilyn for leading the trip. Sue