View From The AqueductThe mystery trip is now becoming an annual tradition which is proving to be popular. Unfortunately Joan had withdrawn from the trip but about 20 people attended this outing to Strid Woods. The group divided into 2; the ramblers led by Donald walked as far as Barden Bridge and John's amblers who went only as far as the aqueduct. The amblers spent much of the route looking at fungi including wrinkled club, lumpy bracket and olive oysterling. Bird sightings included mandarin ducks and a dipper but the highlight was seeing 3 goldcrest one of which had an unusually broad yellow band on his head. 
Panellus serotinus (Olive oysterling)The ramblers were the first to arrive for lunch by the aqueduct. After lunch, some chose to go back via the same route whilst others followed the path on the other side of the river. A pause in the "bird hut" gave an opportunity to see coal tits and nuthatches feeding on scattered seed. A botanical highlight was the beech fern, one of 9 ferns noted. Many of the group rounded off the day with a visit to the Cavendish Pavilion tea shop for refreshments. A lovely, crisp sunny day out. Sue