The pond was our first port of call, during our visit the weather was overcast and breezy with little butterfly activity other than a Small White on the wing, no Damselfly/Dragonfly activity yet, but I imagine it'll be a good spot for both in the summer months. Walking around the opposite side of the pond Andrea took a nice shot looking up towards Cow and Calf rocks.
Bird sightings included Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Curlew, here we watched 20 Sand Martins across the river, constantly on the go.
Whilst watching the Sand Martins a pair of Goosander appeared from downstream and settled on the opposite bank.
We spotted a Buzzard on the horizon and within moments another two appeared, I've never seen three in one spot before.
Its a super spot for wildflowers, with many patches of Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) those in shade on the verge of opening and those in a sunnier aspect now in bloom.
On our way back, near the roadside we passed beside a carpet of Ramsons (Allium ursinum) in dappled shade.
Wood Forget Me Not, clusters of tiny powder blue flowers with yellow centres.
Common Solomon's-Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum), arching stems, alternate leaves, hanging clusters of bell shaped flowers.
Fern fronds unfurling, the golden brown stems predominant.
And a patch of fully open ferns swaying in the breeze and adding a splash of emerald green to the woodland floor.
