Walking up from the stable yard, bright green new growth was visible on the Butchers Broom plant. Green walnut fruits were visible on both of the two large trees near the kissing gate.As we entered the Pheasant Park we saw the first of 13 different species of butterfly; many were very fresh. Ringlet butterflies, both male and female, were the most numerous, throughout the woods from the Pheasant Park to the Hidden Valley. Gatekeepers, though less numerous, caught our notice with their lovely golden colour. All of the white butterflies were seen: Small, Large and Green-veined along with several male Common Blue butterflies. A Small copper was seen in a clearing , attracted to the warmth of the stones on the track. The Hidden Valley revealed three Marbled whites, three Commas, a Red admiral, a Small or Essex skipper, a Large skipper, and a male Brimstone, (Brimstones are not numerous at present).
Wild raspberries were ripe and delicious and we sampled several as we walked. In the Hidden Valley, only one Pyramidal orchid remained in flower, but Wild Parsnips were in bloom. Throughout the walk, Wayfaring tree, Guelder Rose, Black Mulberry and the Wild Cherry Plum were in fruit.
Only a few birds were heard: it was a quiet afternoon. Red Kites, several Chiff Chaffs, Blue tits, Crows,Wrens, Green Woodpeckers and a Nuthatch calling.
Susan Twitchett and Tony Rayner.