Iford to Farleigh Hungerford, 19 April 2026

Above: Iford Manor © Phillip Delve

Leader: Phillip Delve

The Iford Manor car park is in an old orchard, next to the River Frome. Here, while six of us spent some time looking for Dippers, we were assailed by calls of Nuthatches from surrounding trees. As well as the Nuthatches we watched an obliging Treecreeper preening in the open against a large conifer trunk. The limestone of walls, bridge and manor house glowed golden in sunlight, offset by a huge Wisteria fronting the manor house. 

 From the bridge, with it’s iconic statue of Britannia, we watched a pair of Grey Wagtails catching insects by the river and a Little Egret flew in and perched downstream.

We then set out along the river valley towards Farleigh Hungerford. The path meanders over meadows dotted with Dandelions and the occasional clumps of Cuckoo Flower. On the weir near Iford we watched a pair of Mandarin ducks. 

We found another male further along the River Frome, not far from a Cormorant perched on a dead tree.  Jack by the Hedge was in flower close to the bushes, Blackcaps were singing.  Buzzards flew along  the tree clad hillsides.

Eventually we entered woodland along a rocky path, crossed  several small bridges and  emerged below Farleigh Hungerford Castle. The woodland and slope up to the castle were clothed in flowering Ransoms. Butterflies seen included Orange Tip, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood. Following a gentle slope we reached the castle entrance where Cowslips grow in the dry moat. A Red Kite flew over as we took a short break at the Castle before our walk back to Iford and our cars.

About an hour after the meeting, I took a last look for Dippers from the car park and was able to video a pair on the opposite bank. Amazing considering their proximity to a very busy car park.

Phillip Delve

Click the triangle below to play dipper video