Foolishly I made my way to Saxon Field in part to inspect on the Hereford Cattle. On my way I saw fresh Fleabane leaves and was delighted to see that the distinctively shaped Yellow Vetchling leaves were accompanied with flowers. Within the hedgerow along with Elderflowers were reddish Honeysuckle flower buds yet to open. Sycamore flowers added variety to the small copse whilst I reflected on not recalling the appearance of Holm Oak flowers.
In the “un-grazed” part of Saxon Field a robust Early Purple Orchid flower spike stood at least a foot tall. As I neared the electric fence-line I could see the cattle on the correct side of the fence and evidence of the grass having been munched down whilst the Cowslips remained untouched. However, further investigations revealed that three calves had escaped. So I switched off the fence line and cautiously lowered it to ensure the calves back in only to discover cows were out as well. Despite the keen offer of help from passing dog walkers I thought it best to stop this “recovery” programme as it was dangerously close to all the cattle escaping!
Many usual suspects were observed and heard today with a Whitethroat briefly hovering and singing at height whilst the professionally hovering singing Skylarks numbered at least four. I watched a Blue Tit with food in its beak hoping about in upper Blackthorn whist a Great Tit was amongst the lower levels. Chaffinches and a Yellow Hammer were heard singing away in the scrub.
Humorously Oxeye Daisy field was dominated by Yellow Rattle and Bulbous Buttercup with but a few actual namesake flowers! Less favourable plants were also showing signs of healthy development - this included the large fleshy leaves of Burdock (not good for the cattle’s digestive system) as well as Bristly Ox Tongue and Ragwort. There were many small burrow mounds on the dry baked clay surface which were the product of insects such a burrowing Beetles, Digger Warps or Mining Bees.