Tuesday 24 December – Blaise Castle Leader: Di Bunniss

A dozen members met for the Christmas Eve walk on a day that was initially grey but got gradually brighter. We paused at the church to see the ‘Slave Grave’, then walked up the broad ride seeing a Song Thrush and two Jays. Coal Tits were singing their slurred two tone call in the treetops. As we reached the stream, I spotted a female Grey Wagtail hopping across the rocks. We climbed up to the castle, passing Robber’s Cave en route, with Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits for company. There we stopped for coffee (and some very welcome mince pies). The route back to the car park passed through beech woods where Nuthatches could be heard calling. A rather disappointing 20 species identified, including a Goldcrest seen by others. (Thanks to Di for leading) Peter Bryant