Blog Posts

Priory Meadow

30/6/2018

Saturday 30 June - Guided walk around Priory Meadow

A group of 20 Society members braved the hot weather and met at the entrance to Priory Meadow. Geoff Wilkinson of PENCON (Penwortham Conservation) gave us a brief introduction to the development of the site, the work carried out by volunteers and details of species that were likely to be seen on our walk.
Our first sighting was of two young kestrels, who had flown the nest the previous day. They could be seen practicing their flying and hovering skills and were in beautiful, pristine condition.
Geoff then guided us around the reserve, looking in ponds, woods and in long meadow grass. We saw a range of species, listed below:

Abbey Village

25/6/2018

Venue: Abbey Village New Lodge Resr
Date: Monday 25th June 2018
Weather: Very Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 14

A party of 14 set off from the parking on Doles Lane and walked across road past the Pub and down track towards Red Lee Farm but after crossing the stream via a footbridge we climbed then off to the left across fields. Walked around New Lodge Res’r then up to Bradley Farm. Turned right and returned via the Witton Weavers Way then retraced steps to Abbey Village.

Plough at Eaves Public House, Cuddy Hill

23/6/2018

Venue: Cuddy Hill
Date: Saturday 23rd June 2018
Weather: Very Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas
Party Number: 3

The Preston Society Field trip from Cuddly Hill consisted of only three people and on such a beautiful day.
Set off from The Plough at Eaves just after 10.00am and walked through the hamlet going right then sweeping around to the south. Found a path that eventually crossed New Mill Brook then continued south to Bell Fold Farm. Here we watched a Red Kite flying over us and drifting south. A great sight and Bird of the day.
This was just above the farm and quite low showing its russet red tail.
Looked in a small farm shop here at Bell Fold Farm selling home made produce. Spoke to the Farmer and his Wife.
Walked to The Lancaster Canal and followed it north. A few Sedge Warblers were singing in the Scrub and Reeds.
Left the Canal at Hankinson Bridge and walked west through the yard then north to Cross House farm.
At Bensons Lane walked north then a path on left took us through a beautiful garden.
Sat out the Plough with a well deserved drink after nearly 5 hours walking in the hot sun.

Croston Finney

18/6/2018

Venue: Croston Finney
Date: Monday 18th June 2018
Weather: Fine then Rain
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 16

A group of 16 met on Meadow Lane and walked onto Croston Finney. We walked around several tracks all with names to seek out the best habitats for wildlife. Started by locating a singing Yellow Bunting on top of a bush with its striking yellow head standing out.
Carried on and it started drizzling then stopped. Crossed the Railway and onto Finney Lane. At a junction heard a lot Blackbirds making such a racket in a hedge. That usually means a Cat or Owl is around. Suddenly a Tawny Owl flew out of the hedge being pursued by the birds then back in just as quick.
Also a Badger was seen crossing a field.
It started to rain so a hasty retreat was called for.
It had been a beautiful evening but what started as Drizzle turned into Rain
Some of the group retired to The Black Horse Croston to dry out.

Marles Wood, River Ribble

11/6/2018

Venue: Marles Wood
Date: Monday 11th June 2018
Weather: Warm Fine
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 18

A group of 18 met at Marles Wood car park and walked down through wood to view the River Ribble at the bend called Sale Wheel. This is one of the best places to study and learn Bird song.
Continued along the River to Dinkeley Bridge. It was still closed due to damage during a spate of very heavy weather.
Retraced our steps back to the cars.
This had been a beautiful evening with barmy weather with flowers and lots of bird song.
Some of the group retired to The Bay Horse Osbaldeston.

Borrowdale Valley from the West in the Howgills

9/6/2018

Venue: Borrowdale in the Howgills
Date: Saturday 9th June 2018
Weather: Fine Warm Thunder and Rain later
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 13

A group of 13 met at Huck's Bridge on the A6 on a beautiful day and surveyed the dramatic countryside of The Howgills range of hills.
Crossed the bridge to walk along the north side of Borrow Beck. Unbeknownst to us it was crossed due to a landslip. Could see 4 Common Sandpipers. A pair of Grey Wagtails and some Sand Martin's that were meeting in a nearby sand bank.
Walked along the path and climbed around the landslip then ascended a track that went over to Bretherton but we soon went off this to try and find a path that continued along the valley. We descended through Bracken and eventually found a gate and faint path beyond. We were back on track.
It was hard going underfoot but eventually came to a bridge over the beck.
I was going to continue on a track to High Borrow Farm. I had some photographs of the farm taken when i was last there which was May 1997. I compared the photos and found that the chimney had been removed and a large tree at the rear had fallen.
Had lunch here sat behind the buildings. It was a tranquil quiet place.
After taking some photos and watching 2 Ravens fly along the ridge, we made our way back to the bridge and crossed. The way back was a flat track and easier to make progress. Watched a Common Buzzard being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows. One of them actually jumped on its back so it quickly Vanished from the area. The Crows were probably protecting a nest.
Saw a Dipper fly upstream uttering it's call.
Back at the cars most of the group retired in The Duke of Cumberland pin n Kendall.
A great day out in my favourite valley.

Birkacre Lodges

4/6/2018

Venue: Yarrow Valley Country Park at Birkacre
Date: Monday 4th June 2018
Weather:Breezy Cold Rain
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 25

A group of 25 met at Yarrow Valley Country Park at Birkacre on a lovely summer's evening. Followed path alongside the Big Lodge and looked for the favourite place for a Kingfisher but it wasn't there. Continued past another large reedy pool. Could see a Grey perched in a tree. Climbed out of the valley via a path at a corner to Coppull and turned left onto Coppull Hall Lane. Eventually left the lane to pass Coppull Hall and turned right then onto a disused railway now a path. Soon descended to a field and had a break. Continued along page through a wood back to the Yarrow Valley and the River Yarrow. Returned alongside the River and came across the famous Weir in Drybones Wood. Continued along path back to Big Lodge and the cars.
It was a lovely relaxing evening. There was lots of birdsong and several birds were seen or heard in the treetops including a nest with a young bird seen near the Weir.
Most of the group retired to The Dog & Partridge at Charnock Richard.
Nearly 4 miles at just over 2 hours.

Grimsargh/Alston Wetlands

28/5/2018

Venue: Alston & Grimsargh Wetlands
Date: Monday 28th May 2018
Weather: Fine Sunny
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 19

A party of 19 people met in the new location of Alston Lane and walked
along the main road a short distance to the Wetlands. The Sun was
directly behind so viewing was restricted. A Wood Sandpiper was seen
briefly before flying off.
There was time to return via a short walk by continuing along the lane
and turning right at the top. At the second bend an overgrown area had
an old flimsy plank footbridge and stile into a field. Crossed to gate
then down field to track then followed this to farmyard and back onto
Alston Lane.
Some of he group retired to The White Bull for refreshments to end a
very enjoyable evening.

Report from Grimsargh Wetlands.
A group of us went onto Grimsargh Wetlands, where we bumped into David Hindle!
I have made a list.

Dean Clough Reservoir

21/5/2018

Venue: Dean Clough Reservoir
Date: Monday 21st May
Weather: Dry

A small group of 6 met at a junction on Parsonage Road. We then walked through a field towards the Reservoir, once at the Reservoir we walked anti clockwise around it following the path the whole way around. The rain stayed off for us and we had a variety of bird life around. Just before reaching the end of the walk we got to view the sun starting to set over the water.

Twenty Acre Lane

14/5/2018

Venue: Cocker Bar Moss Lane
Date: Monday 14th May 2018
Weather: Fine Cool
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 18

A party of 18 Members met on a lane next to Cocker Bar Bridge and walked across the bridge then along a track on the opposite side leading to Moss Lane. This track has always been great for wildlife.
We walked slowly to the bottom before realising that time had run away with us.
Three White Fallow Deer Stags were seen half a mile away. They were a lovely sight! When they saw us they ran off to the west.
We retraced our steps slowly back to the bridge.
Some of the group retired to The Dunkirk Hall PH for refreshment after a lovely evening

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