Chris Ash and Sheelagh Hill led a party of ten on a walk around their home village of Binfield Heath. The group set off across the fields to High Woods in overcast but warm conditions. A Yellowhammer and a Wren were seen. By the field edges Germander Speedwell, Common Chickweed and Ground-ivy were all out in flower. In the woods near the site of a probable Roman villa were violets, Wood Anemones and Dog’s Mercury. Coming out into a lane, an Ash tree was in flower and on a driveway was some Common Whitlowgrass. A few more birds were seen or heard, including a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Common Buzzard and Sky Larks. Heading south through Shiplake Woods, Goldilocks Buttercup was in bud, but Cow Parsley, Comfrey and Green Alkanet were already in flower. The walk continued to Keeps Lane which was an ancient track used for transporting goods to avoid the shallow shoals on the Thames. In the sunken lane were an ancient oak tree and also an elm tree in flower. Back in the village of Binfield Heath, a pond had a mass of frog-spawn and along the edge of a nearby ditch were Colt’s-foot and Primroses. Departing from the normal end of walk pub lunch tradition, the group were welcomed to Chris and Sheelagh’s home and given a lovely meal of home-made soup with bread and cheese. Their garden attracts a wide range of birds including Lesser Redpolls which were a delight to see. Many thanks to our hosts for their hospitality.

Report by Rob Stallard