The Visitor CentreToday's outing was ably researched and led by Annie. It was our first visit to Brockholes and it turned out to be a great success.There were 15 participants. En route we enjoyed good views of the superb Lancashire countryside past drumlins, Pendle Hill shrouded in mist and picturesque villages. The Brockholes visitor complex consisted of an information centre, restaurant, gift shop and toilets all floating on plinths above the lake. Led by Annie we followed the blue route of approx 3 miles around the reserve. From the lake we crossed meadows and made our way towards the River Ribble walking along its banks.
Lapwing Chick Lunch was taken in cool cloudy conditions in the central playground area where we were entertained by a kestrel hunting. Following lunch we walked into Boilton Wood, an ancient woodland, then followed a path north with two small lakes and one large lake on our left and the noisy M6 motorway on our right before returning to the visitor centre. The range of habitats for birds and flowers was very varied including lakes, meadows, the banks of the River Ribble and woodland. 34 bird species and 105 flower species were recorded. On the lakes were seen cormorant, grey heron, sand martins, redshank, lapwing and chicks, coot and chicks, gadwall, great crested grebe, canada geese and common sandpiper. 
Coot ChicksFrom the banks of the Ribble, oystercatcher, little ringed plover, redshank and pied wagtail were viewed. Birds sang from the trees and hedges - a blackcap was seen. Our vigilant recorders noted 105 species in flower. The woodland provided an exceptional diversity of woodland plants, including numerous species of grasses and ferns, bluebells in seed, climbing corydalis, guelder rose, sanicle, yellow pimpernel and wood ruff. On the lakeside path tufted vetch and ragged robin were seen in attractive stands. Superb male and female banded demoiselle damsonflies were seen and a speckled wood butterfly flew past. The rain kept at bay and we enjoyed a cool but fine day. Thank you Annie. Margaret