Tuesday 10 March – Elm Farm Leader: Mark Watson

On a wet and windy morning 16 members met for a walk around Elm Farm. We immediately saw eight Yellowhammer in a tree near to the farmyard which was a good start. A Kestrel was perched in a hedgerow tree as we walked on and 32 Jackdaws appeared along with a couple of Song Thrushes. Moving down the farm across fields managed under a Defra Countryside Scheme, a few more Yellowhammers were in the hedgerows. A Buzzard flew overhead and some folk caught sight of a Jay. Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were present as we crossed fields towards the lower end of the farm. A flock of some 60 Redwings passed by. A very co-operative Chiffchaff gave us a good view on the way and at the pond and wetland at the lotto corner of the farm, a Heron and a Snipe were seen. A quick walk to the local sewage works produced a Nuthatch, Greenfinch and Coal Tit. In all we saw 34 species. The walk was led by Philippa Paget who farms here with her husband John. Thanks to Philippa for giving her time to guide us around the farm and its wildlife. Mark Watson