Seen on Brook Trail walk today

A mixed party of 15 today had a glorious sunny walk through Brook Wood (beautiful colony of Large Bitter-cress, 2 Speckled Woods, 3 Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Jay; down the Mill Hill valley (3 stunning male Orange-tips, one Red Admiral, Bluebells, Marsh Marigolds) and along the canal (2 Mallard families, one Stock Dove, calls of Nuthatch and Woodpecker). Also one Holly Blue among the houses. Best, though, was the lady who called out to say that her children could now play safely in Brook Wood below their house! Well done, all!  - George 

Dawn Chorus and Easter Monday walks

Apologies for the late notice, but (free) places are available on a Dawn Chorus birdwatch organised by the Sandbach A Rocha group for this (Easter) Saturday 23rd April. We are meeting in Brereton Heath Country Park car park at 5am sharp, and one of the rangers will be accompanying the group. Please contact Andrew Bailey on 764076, or email this blog.  Also note the Easter Monday afternoon walk along the whole of the Brook Trail route, details on right. - George

Mill Hill valley

All sorts of wildlife are emerging down the valley from Mill Hill Lane. The first Bluebells are out, as are the first Orange-tip butterflies and the first Red Campion. Nuthatches are singing.  Any more firsts?  - George

Brook Wood charming!

After the great litter clear-up, Brook Wood looked charming today. In particular if you walk the path, look out for a large patch of the uncommon and beautiful Large Bitter-Cress, which has lovely white flowers with (tiny) purple anthers. - George

Birds of Prey

I thought I'd had a good day on Friday watching 4 Buzzards circling above Wheelock for around 30 minutes, but having lunch today in Ettiley Heath a Red Kite flew right over the house! We couldn't have had a more perfect view, it just soared over the top of us and was gone.

Having travelled to the Chilterns several times to see Kites it was amazing seeing them in our own back yard, I suspect now we're all going to have neck ache from looking up to see if we can catch another glimpse...