Our guide, Di Mitchell, assured us that birds would be singing in spite of a bit of light drizzle - and she was right ?
A number of intrepid amateur naturalists joined Di for the parish's birdsong walk early in May, walking up the Hangers Way and into the quarry area of the Chalk Pits Nature Reserve.
We heard Blackbirds calling to each other across the site, a very loud wren - ridiculously loud for their size - Chaffinch, Robin, Song Thrush and Gold Finch.
We heard most of the Tit family including Great, Coal and Blue which caused us all a great deal of difficulty as they sound so similar and most excitingly, Gold Crest and Black Cap.
We also spent time searching for orchid leaves. They are the first to appear with the flowers following very soon afterwards.
We found lots of Twayblades and Common Spotted Orchids are also around - and a possible sighting of a Bee Orchid.
Please take care if you are walking in the quarry areas as the orchids are small and easy to tread on by mistake.
The next event in the Chalk Pits will be our Open Day with lots of activities for all ages as always. This year the event will be held towards the end of the Summer Holidays: on Saturday 31st August.
Don't forget to report any problems in the Chalk Pits as swiftly as possible to the rangers at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park who are always available to investigate. Simply phone 02392 595040 to report any incidents.
