On the first hot (over 20 degrees) day of 2015, Rob Stallard led 15 members on a 4 mile walk around Ashampstead, through undulating countryside which included a few acres of ancient farmland between wooded areas which contrasted strongly with vast modern agricultural fields; through well established, multi-species woodland within the Yattendon Estate then on into vintage woodland. Although it had been a late spring, the Bluebells were just beginning to show but the visual charm of the walk was the banks of shiny yellow Lesser Celandine and the gently nodding spreads of Wood Anemones. Cow-slips, Hemlock, Pig-nut, Wood-sorrel, Three-nerved Sandwort, Brooklime, and Yellow Archangel were seen. The Woodruff was just emerging. Sadly, a perfectly formed Thrush nest with an accompanying blue egg were found, presumably a casualty of recent high winds or a Corvid attack. Butterflies species seen included Brimstones (male and female), Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Speckled Wood. A pair of Ravens was seen on the wing, possibly nesting nearby.
