Cinderford Linear Park, 8 June 2022

Tree Pipit at Cinderford Linear Park © Philip Delve

Leader: Philip Delve

Cinderford Linear Park follows the north south line of overgrown 19th century rail and mining works, just west of Cinderford in the Forest of Dean. The mix of soil and vegetation, make this both biodiverse and an interesting place to visit. Six of us met in the car park at the southern end before  setting off for Steam Mills Lake to the north. Although we managed to avoid all but one light shower, over much of our walk it was  cool and overcast, relieved only by the occasional sunny interval.

Cinderford Linear Park, follows the north south line of overgrown 19th century rail and mining works, just west of Cinderford in the Forest of Dean. The mix of soil and vegetation, make this both biodiverse and an interesting place to visit. Six of us met in the car park at the southern end before  setting off for Steam Mills Lake to the north.

Although we managed to avoid all but one light shower, over much of our walk it was  cool and overcast, relieved only by the occasional sunny interval.

Given conditions we did well to see a few butterflies; a Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell along with a few Small Heaths.

Several moths flew up from vegetation, Yellow Shell, Burnet Companion, Common Carpet and Straw Dot. Then, in sunshine towards the northern end of the park, our first Wood White and then up to dozen more. This scarce and local butterfly proved the most frequently seen on the day. 

Overhead flew Swifts, House Martins, Swallow, Buzzard, Herring and Lesser Black Backed Gulls. There were plenty of House Sparrows, Goldfinches and Starlings along the way. Birdsong accompanied our progress. Singing from cover, Garden Warbler at the car park, then Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Wren, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Linnet and Siskin. Then attracted by its song, a Tree Pipit, which flew up from the path ahead to a Corsican Pine in full view of us all. Away from our group, Tom Rogers also managed to see Bullfinch and Marsh tit.

A single Tufted Duck, a Mallard and a few Moorhens were the only birds on Steam Mills Lake. But we did see Large Red-eyed, Blue-tailed and Azure Damselflies and a Downy Emerald Dragonfly from a small bridge where a stream enters the lake.

A circular stone wall, around an old mineshaft, provided a convenient group seat to take lunch, before retracing our steps. A single Marsh Orchid spike was found on our way back to the cars and close of the meeting.

Phillip Delve