Leader: Tom Rogers
Nine members joined the leader in Faulkland Lavender Farm car park. The day started dry and bright as we walked into the lavender fields. Here it was noticeable that due to recent early hot dry weather the lavender flowers were past their best, though bees were still busily collecting nectar.
Robin’s Pincushion © Tom Rogers
On leaving the lavender field we crossed more fields to Highchurch Farm, this time easier to cross than on the recce because the crop of Oats had been combined. Along the lane from the farm we came across a ‘Robin’s Pincushion’ which is a growth seen on wild roses caused by the larvae of a tiny gall wasp. Turning left at the crossroads we made our way down to the hamlet of Hardington. Next we checked an open barn looking in vain for a Little Owl which was seen on a previous walk 6 years ago.
Also on the barn was an open post box dating from the Victorian era though the door with ‘VR’ on it was missing.
We then detoured off the walk to visit Hardington Church which is cared for by the Redundant Churches Fund. The church dates from the 12th century. Inside there are box pews, several wall paintings and the royal arms of Charles I dated 1640 but repainted since.
Retracing our steps to the designated walk we traversed the fields towards the village of Hemington. On route several butterflies including a Red Admiral were seen. As we entered the village we encountered a varied collection of domestic fowl using the footpath and adjacent field as part of their free range existence. We then walked up the road to Hemington Churchyard where we had lunch.
As we walked through the village we came across some houses with artificial House Martin nest boxes, several of which were occupied by young. Also we observed a new house with Swift bricks built into its wall. We then wandered through the village and up the hill back to the Lavender Farm where we retired to the café for refreshments, as we had used the Lavender Farm’s car park.
Tom Rogers
Total of bird species was 23
Blackbird
Buzzard
Chaffinch (h)
Chiffchaff
Swallow
Collard Dove
Goldfinch
Great Spotted Woodpecker (h)
Greenfinch (h)
Green Woodpecker (h)
House Martin
House Sparrow
Kestrel
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Linnet
Mallard
Raven
Red Kite
Rook
Wood Pigeon
Wren
Yellowhamer
Butterflies
Comma
Common Blue
Gatekeeper
Large White
Meadow Brown
Peacock
Red Admiral
Small White
Speckled Wood
Moths
Mother of Pearl
Jersey Tiger
Yellow Shell
Bees
Red Tailed Bumblebee
Other
Bloody Nosed Beetle
Robin’s Pincusion
Deceased
Shrew x2
Female Southern Hawker Dragonfly
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