On Saturday May 3rd (the 3rd anniversary of Tricia Hall’s passing) a group of members gathered on France Lane for a walk through Patching Woods, led by Graham Tuppen. The main purpose was to look at the Bluebells and Early Purple Orchids, both of which were putting on a great show. There were still some Wood Anemones visible, and we also admired the Yellow Archangel, Bugle, Stitchwort, Dog Violets, Primroses, Wood Spurge and Germander Speedwell.
On the wildlife front, we were also able to see a number of Red Kites, Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, and either heard or spotted many Blackcaps, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Swallows, Martins and Nuthatch amongst others, including Robins and a variety of Tits. Over the village we also saw a party of 4 screaming Swifts flying over the buildings – an increasingly rare sight these days.
When the sun finally came out, a number of butterflies appeared, including Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral, plus also a possible Fritillary.
All in all, it was the English countryside, and particularly its ancient woodlands at their very best in the month of May.