Walking through past the wildlife garden we were greeted by a wonderful display of Hawthorn flowers and the call of a Cock Pheasant. Walking further on we noticed an Ash tree that was just about to come out into leaf. The buds on a Wild Parsnip near a field maple were just about to open for the first time. While a Swallow flies past arriving home for the winter after its long journey.
Having just seen Hawthorn in full flower a moment ago we were surprised to see just further along that one had just gone over. Looking further ahead we could see a large patch of Cow Slips with two Carrion Crows hidden in them. Approaching the large Copse we sore two Grey Squirrels chasing each other up and down a Black Pine tree. When then entering the Copse a Speckled Wood butterfly could be seen flying over the Brambles. Taking a detour off the path for a moment we saw Garlic Mustard and even some Elm Saplings.
Looking out over quarry meadow two Sika Deer could be seen hugging the hedge of the field. In Saxon meadow we could hear a white throat singing as well as Green Woodpecker. A Buff Tailed Bumble Bee buzzed on past some Hops Vetch with its small yellow pom-pom flowers. A Skylark flutter past us just one meter in front then flying back past us again to sing high up in the sky.
Two more Swallows fly over Oxeye meadow which was full of Buttercups and Cowslips. We then walked and were informed of some campers who we then went to speak to about not being allowed to camp in the park. The campers were very understanding and were happy to move on. Just down form the campers we sore some Early Purple orchids.
We popped in to see Mick bird ringing in the wildlife garden. He reported Garden Warblers, Reed Warblers, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaff and Goldfinch. Mick gently recovered a Greenfinch from a mist net.