Tuesday 11 July – Little Sodbury (Picnic Walk) – Leader: Graham Blacker

The threat of rain led to only 15 of us turning up, but, hey, the rain held off all morning for our lovely walk through some wonderful countryside. We sat enthralled at the first Old Fort high point with its 180 degree crisp clear view across the Severn Vale for our coffee stop and three Raven flew past. Birds noted up till then were House Martin, Swallow, Swift, c150 Rooks, Greenfinch, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Linnet, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Green Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Treecreeper, Skylark, Kestrel, Pheasant, Jay and Yellowhammer amongst others. There was also a lovely showing of butterflies. As we walked towards the second Old Fort there were further extensive views of the Vale as well as the rolling hills of Wiltshire. When we ascended a tree-lined path many walkers broke off, leaving six of us to continue towards Old Sodbury Church where we ate our packed lunch with fantastic views towards Yate, the Severn and the Welsh Mountains. Refreshed we proceeded with the long walk back to our finishing point, spotting Chaffinch, Coal Tit and Goldfinch. 32 species were noted in total. (Thanks to Graham for leading this walk in place of Nick.) Graham Blacker