Tuesday 25 February – Watercress Farm Leaders: Alastair Fraser and Robin Martin

An amazing 51 walkers attended for this popular visit to the rewilding site owned by Belmont Estate. We split into two groups and set off in opposite directions to cover the route over the different habitats. We were blessed with good sunshine after the recent gloomy weather and rain. The new wetland area was fairly quiet but Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant and Little Egret were seen by some. The Railway Sidings proved heavy going in places and it was a challenge to get through some sections without losing your boots in the mud. There were good views of Siskin feeding in the Alder Trees and a smattering of Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch in the hedgerows. The fields had a good number of Stonechats overwintering as well as Meadow Pipit. It was a delight
to see and hear Skylark on their song flight, surely indicating spring is on the way at last. There were good numbers of Buzzards, a pair of Kestrels and a distant Red Kite. The Green Woodpeckers were active and well seen – perhaps up to five individuals. There were a couple of groups of Roe Deer and three Brown Hares also benefiting
from the rewilding at this site. In total there were 40 bird species seen, a good total for a small site close to Bristol. Thanks to Alastair for leading. (Thanks to Robin for co-leading). Robin Martin