RSPB enjoy trip to the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, Ulverscroft
Weekday Wildlife Walk – Ulverscroft Manor and Grange 17th May 2010
This first walk to the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation estate was attended by 19 people on a fine sunny morning. The Foundation was created in 1989 to provide a day centre where the elderly and adults with disabilities can meet for social and other activities. The two properties are about a kilometre apart and there are extensive woodlands, meadows and a pond. The walk from the Manor to the Grange provides magnificent views across the valley and as far as Old John.
Our thanks to the staff at the Manor and Grange made us most welcome and provided tea and coffee during the visit.
People wishing to visit the estates are asked to make arrangements by telephoning 01530 244914.
Birds recorded were:
Buzzard, kestrel, pheasant, moorhen, stock dove, wood pigeon, great spotted woodpecker, swallow, wren, blackcap, chiffchaff, goldcrest, robin, Dunnock, blackbird, long tailed tit, coal tit, blue tit, great tit, nuthatch, jay, magpie, carrion crow, starling, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch.
We were also able to enjoy spring flowers which in addition to the bluebells included cuckoo flowers and greater stitchwort.
We were surprised not to hear any willow warblers, though the good news is that when I returned to photograph the bluebell wood it was one of the first birds I heard.
The next walk is at Cossington Meadow on Tuesday 15th June at 10.00.
