Rob Stallard’s walk on Wednesday 17th April followed a figure of eight shaped route, centred on Lambourn. First stop was the churchyard, where there were flowers of Early Dog-violet and Slender Speedwell. The church had an interesting collection of gargoyles, some in the form of green men, and a dog-toothed arch around the west doorway. After admiring the nearby almshouses, the group walked into Lynch Wood. At the bottom of the wood were a number of springs, from which an abundant supply of water was gushing up, to gather in a blue-tinged pool which is the principal source of the River Lambourn. Within the pool, lines of rising bubbles indicated the presence of further springs. Around its banks were carpets of leaves of Ramsons, with the first flowers just coming into bloom. As well as the smell of Wild Garlic, there was also a strong scent from the flowers of Box, which was widespread in the wood. Two Grey Wagtails were spotted beside the water and the calls of Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Blackcap were heard.
Leaving Lynch Wood, the route crossed back through Lambourn, with House Sparrows and Starlings noted on the way, then followed a footpath upwards across fields to the south of the town, where singing Skylarks were heard. Next stop was Watts Bank, a nature reserve of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). Hairy Violets were dotted across the grass and the first Cowslips were coming into flower. There were numerous round-leaved rosettes of Hoary Plantain. In the wooded area at the far end of the reserve were many Primroses and a few plants of Goldilocks Buttercup. Spurge-laurel plants, with small trumpet-shaped greenish flowers, were growing beside the track next to the reserve. The walk continued up the hill beside Thornhill Copse, where the woodland floor was carpeted with Bluebell leaves, with many Wood Anemones in flower. Cresting the ridge, there was a wonderful view of Lambourn and the valley of the River Lambourn. The path dropped down to the river, then followed the route of the old railway back up the valley. The river was crystal clear, with Stream Water-crowfoot Ranunculus pencillatus in flower. Most of the party then had lunch in the George Hotel in Lambourn.
Pictures by Rob Stallard, Chris Ash and Jan Haseler