Table Of Content~
WEEKEND WALI(S
IN
BRITAIN
INTRODUCTION BY PAUL STERRY
--.------------ -~--~~---~~
Produced by AA Publishing All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
Acknowledgements
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means -
Copy Editor: Penny Hicks
Designers: Design 2 3 electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise All photographs are held in the Automobile Association's own photo library (AA PHOTO LIBRARY).
- unless the written permission of the publishers The Automobile Association wishes to thank the following photographers for their assistance in the
has been obtained beforehand.
Contributors: Steve Ashton, Chris Barber, preparation of this book.
Jackie Bates, Kate Chevalier, Paddy Dillon, Published by AA Publishing (a trading name of
Heather Freeman, Susan Gordon, Automobile Association Developments Limited, P Baker 20; V & S Bates 22, 36, 37, 38, 54, 55, 56, 61. 62, 63, 64, 116a, 117, 118, 119, 120,
Des Hannigan, Leigh Hatts, Tony Hopkins, whose registered office is Norfolk House, Priestley 121,170; J Beazley 173; M Birkitt 64, 71, 98; I Burgum 110a, 110b, Illa, 112a, 112b, 113a,
Charlie Hurt, Peter Lambley, Helen Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9NY; ll3b, 114, 115, 116b, 126a, 127a, 127b, 128, 129: J Carnie 189; D Croucher 51, 53a, 53b, 122,
Livingston, Cameron McNeish, Andy Murray, registered number 1878835). 123, 124, 125, 130, 131. 132a, 132b, 133, 134. 135, 136a, 136b, 138, 139; P Davies 75b; S Day
Brian Pearce, Ben Perkins, Mark Richards, 190a, 190b, 191,192, 193a, 193b, 198; P Eden 33, 34; A Edwards 100; E Ellington 194b, 195,
ISBN
Erica Schwarz, Roger Smith, Roland Smith, 196,197,199, 200:DForss 18, 19. 21a, 21b, 39, 40, 41, 42a, 42b, 43, 44, 45a, 4Sb, 46, 47, 48,
Ringbinder O 7495 0915 S
Rebecca Snelling, Colin Speakman, 49, SO, 52, 65, 6~ 6~ 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74L 74~ 75L 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81L 81~ 82, 83,
Paperback O 7495 0969 4
Donald Stokoe, Clive Tully Hardback O 7495 1464 7 84, 85, 86a, 87, 96, 99, 101a, 101b, 141. 142, 143b, 147, 148a, 148b; P Goodrum 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5,
6a, 6b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, lla, llb;
© The Automobile Association 1994. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available AHopkinsl58a, 158b, 159, 160a, 160b, 161, 163a, 163b, 164,165,166,167,168, 169a, 169b;
Reprinted 1996. from the British Library. J Ingram 7a, 7b, Sa, Sb, 14; A Lawson 13b; S & 0 Mathews 24b, 162: C Mellor 88a, 88b. 90a,
Maps© The Automobile Association 1994 90b, 95a, 95b, 97; C Molyneux 126b; J Morrison 144,145,146, 149a, 149b, 150, 151, 152, 153,
The contents of this book are believed correct at
154a, 154b; K Paterson 171, 172, 174a, 174b, 175a, 175b, 176a, 176b, 177,178, 179a, 179b, 180,
the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers
181, 182, 183, 184a, 184b, 18Sa, 185b, 186a, 186b, 187, 188a, 188b; N Ray 12, 13a, 15, 16, 17a,
cannot be held responsible for any errors or omis
17b, 25, 26; P Sharpe 156, 157, M Short 23, 24a, 27, 28, 29a, 29b, 30, 31, 32, 57, 58, 59a, 59b,
sions or for changes in the details given in this
book or for the consequences of any reliance on 60;
the information provided by the same. We have A Stonehouse 1: M Trelawny 143a, A Tryner 91. 93, 109, 140; W Voysey 32, 35; R Weir 194a.
tried to ensure
accuracy in this book, but things do change and Section titles: The West Country, Central England and East Anglia: P Baker; Northern England: J
we would be grateful if readers would advise us of Morrison; Wales and the Marches: R Newton; South and South-east England: D Noble; Scotland: R
any inaccuracies they may encounter. Weir.
Front cover: a) A Baker; b) A Besley; c) A Greely
Colour Separation by Daylight Colour Art Pte, Back cover: D Croucher
Singapore
Printed by Brepols Turnhout, Belgium Artwork by Andrew Hutchinson
Introduction artwork by Richard Draper and Ann Winterbotham
Essential Information experienced and occasional walkers. Most your way, or need to make a detour for any
wall(s are between two and four miles long, reason, you will need such a map to reorientate
for Wall<ers and the approximate distance is always stated, yourself.
but the time taken to do the walk will vary Places are suggested where you may be able
with the individual. Generally speaking, it is to park. These have all been checked by our
safe to think in terms of two miles an hour. researchers and were found to be practicable -
Do wear sensible clothes, and remember many are in fact official car parks. However,
T
he routes in this book have been that in this country the weather is notoriously these suggestions are not a guarantee of any
Map Symbols carefully researched, but despite our changeable, so it is sensible to take a right to leave a vehicle parked, and if no distinct
best efforts to ensure accuracy, waterproof. You will also need comfortable car park exists, wa&ers should park carefully
changes may occur at any stage during the footwear that will withstand wet and possibly and considerately where they can. Please
Main road
lifetime of the book. Please remember that muddy or slippery conditions. remember that it is the responsibility of the
Other road
landscapes do change, and features mentioned With the information for each wa&, we individual to ensure that their vehicle is safely
Footpath
as landmarks may alter or disappear give an indication of the conditions you should and not illegally parked, and that it does not
Railway
completely. The changing seasons can also expect - for example, whether it is a gentle obstruct other traffic or access - and remember
Route of walk
affect the walks, and paths may become stroll on reasonably level ground, or a more that, whatever the time of day or year, farm
Detour I alternative route
of walk muddy, or overgrown during the summer challenging wall( on rougher terrain. If a walk vehicles must always have clear access to field
months. includes any particularly steep hill stretches, entrances and tracks.
Urban area It is important to note also that some of the or other hazards such as stiles, we have Keep dogs under control and if necessary on
Woodland routes pass close to dangerous features in the indicated this. Where possible we have also a lead. Dogs can be a serious threat to farm
Marsh landscape and need care, especially if children listed nearby facilities for refreshments, and livestock, to deer and to other wild animals, as
Sand are with you. Our walks follow public rights of the nearest public access toilets. Listing well as ground-nesting and ground-feeding
Shingle way and established paths, tracks and in this guide does not imply AA birds - and farm animals, especially cows with
Mud bridleways wherever possible, but the routes inspection of recognition, young calves, can take violent exception to
Rocks/ cliff sometimes include stretches along a road. although establishments dogs they do not know.
Escarpment Even small country lanes can be deceptive, may have an AA Please keep to the designated paths, and if
so please walk so that you can see any classification. you come to a field with crops, wall( round the
Camp site approaching traffic in good time. The National edge, not across the middle. If you find that a
Caravan site Some of the routes are around the coast. public right of way has been blocked, for
Youth Hostel Please remember that, although exciting whatever reason, it is better to inform the
Castle places to visit, cliffs are by their very nature Rights of Way Officer in the Highways and
Church or chapel dangerous. Stay well away from the edge Traffic Department of the County Council than
Information centre because the cliff-top soil is often loose and These numbers relate to to attempt to argue or force a way through.
Lighthouse slippery, even though plants may be growing the grid squares on the If you open a gate, please remember to close it
Windmill in profusion; there may also be an overhang. larger scale Ordnance after you. Be particularly careful not to discard
Parking Walking on the seashore, be aware of the state Survey maps (1:50,000 cans, bottles or food because these are a
Spot height in metres of the tide - on shallow beaches, it can rise and 1:25,000), which hazard to wildlife as well as being an eyesore.
--•·- Viewpoint with surprising speed. When seas are rough, walkers may like to use Do not discard lighted cigarettes, matches
* Other place of interest keep away from the water - freak waves can in addition to the maps
_,! Picnic site sweep people off their feet.
The walks are organised according to six
Start The walks, mostly round trips, have all
regions of Britain - the West Country,
Walk direction been carefully selected to take you through South and South-east England, Central
attractive and varied areas of the British England and East Anglia, Wales and the
countryside, and to be enjoyable both for the misfortune to miss Marches, Northern England, and Scotland
The Walks
104 Croft Castle and Croft Ambrey
105 The Lickey Hills
THE WEST COUNTRY 106 Upper Arley-River, Woods and
Reservoirs
1 Isles of Scilly: A Scillonian Stroll
107 A Traditional Working Farm
2 Logan Rock: Blue Sea and Golden Sand
108 On Wenlock Edge
3 Frenchman's Creek at Relford
109 Shropshire's Lake District
4 Crantock and the Rushy Green
110 The WindcliffWalkand
~~ 5 Readymoney Cove and Combe Haven
'The 365 Steps'
6 The Valency Valley
Q Colwyn Bay 111 White Castle
138 ~@ @ 7 Hartland Quay and Coast
112 To the Summit ofTwmbarlwm
@) @ 8 Heddon 's Mouth 113 Along the Glamorgan Canal
9 Postbridge: Dartmoor's Ancient Stones
@) 114 St Donat's Bay
10 Noss Mayo - Revelstoke Drive
115 Around Rhossili
WALES 11 Slapton Ley Nature Ramble
116 Carreg Cennen Castle
12 The Banks of the River Otter
117 Llanstephan Castle
13 Tiverton, the Canal and Railway
118 Manorbier Castle
14 Exmoor: Porlock Bay
119 St David's (Penmaen Dewi)
15 The Somerset Moors: North Curry
120 A Ramble Around Nevern
16 The Quantocks: Holford Combe
121 Above Llangrannog
17 HamHill
122 Parson's Bridge
18 Minterne Magna and Dogbury Hill
123 The Artists' Valley
19 Fontmell Down
124 The Flooded Village
20 Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach
125 Twm Sion Catti's Cave
21 Dancing Ledge
126 Porthyrogof Cave
22 OldSarum
127 Llyn cwm Llwch
23 Winterbourne Monkton
128 Llangattock Circuit
G 24 Malmesbury
129 A Walk Around Hay-on-Wye
25 The Canal and River at Bradford-on-
130 A Circuit of the Sugar Loaf
Avon
131 The Spectacular Waterfall of Pistyll
26 Chew Valley Lake
Rhaeadr
27 Oldbury-on-Severn
132 Llangollen Canal and Dinas Bran
28 Hares.field Beacon
q 133 Clocaenog Forest at Bod Petrual
29 May Hill and Clifford's Mesne
134 The Precipice Walk
30 The Severn Way
135 The Lakes of Crafnant and
31 Colne Valley
Geirionydd
32 Bourton-on-the-Water 136 Aber Falls
137 Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Gorge
WALES AND THE MARCHES
[~] 138 Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn
102 Evesham-River and Town Island
103 A Maze in the Wye Valley 139 South Stack and Holyhead Mountain
The Walks
SOUTH & SOUTH-EAST CENTRAL ENGLAND &
ENGLAND EAST ANGLIA
33 The River Yar 67 Idyllic Pinching.field
34 The Duver at St Helens 68 The Castle at Pleshey
35 Wilverley Enclosure: The New Forest 69 Hanning.field Reservoir
36 The River at Ramble 70 The Roman Fort at Bradwell-on-Sea
37 Chilbolton 71 The Coast at Walton on the Naze
38 Greywell 72 The Stour at Flatford
39 Selborne Common and Romany 73 Marsh and Forest at Orford
0Nottingham Workshop 7 4 Framlingham
® ® ® 40 Kingley Vale 75 Heath and Coastal Marsh at Walberswick
CENTRAL ENGLAND @ 41 Arundel Park and the River Arun 76 The King's Forest at West Stow
® ® 42 Billingshurst 77 Forest Rides at East Harling
@ @ Norwich • 43 Barcombe Mills and the River Ouse 78 Ludham Marshes
•Birmingham A N D E A S T AN G L I A 44 Ashdown Forest 79 The Dunes at Winterton
@
45 Hastings 80 Burnham Thorpe
® 46 Rolvenden's Secret Garden 81 Castle Acre
47 The Pond at Worth 82 Reach and the Devil's Dyke
48 Reculver's Sea Bed Paths 83 Wimpole Park
49 The Medway at East Peckham 84 Godmanchester and its Water Meadows
50 Lullingstone Castle 85 Ferry Meadows
• •
51 Outwood Mill 86 Harlestone Heath
SOUTH AND 52 Shere 87 The Woods at Maidwell
53 Frimley Green 88 Hartshill Hayes Country Park
Reading•· • 54 The River Thames at Hurley 89 Stratford's Shire Horse Centre
•SOU•TH•-E AST 55 The Castle at Donnington 90 The Canal at Brewood
• • • 56 W albury Hill 91 Thor's Cave
57 The White Horse at Uffington 92 Castleton and Cave Dale
ENGLAND • 58 The River Windrush at Minster Lovell 93 Creswell Crags
• 59 The Moated Castle at Broughton 94 Cromfo rd Canal
60 The Railway at Tackley 95 Three Leicestershire Villages
Brighton
61 The Thame Valley at Cuddington 96 The Canal near Hose
62 The Ouse Meadows at Olney 97 The West Leake Hills
63 Burnham's Magnificent Beeches 98 Ruffo rd Country Park and Abbey
64 Berkhamsted Common 99 The Reservoir at Denton
65 The River Rib at Standon 100 Kirkby on Bain and Haltham
66 Ampthill Park and Woodlands 101 The Mill and Two Churches
The Walks
NORTHERN ENGLAND SCOTLAND
140 Castles Above the Plain 171 Balcary Cliff Tops
141 Hest Bank, Morecambe Bay and the 172 The River Annan
Lancaster Canal 173 Drumlanrig Castle and Country Park
142 Lever Park, Rivington Reservoir and 174 Harestanes Visitor Centre, Jedburgh
Rivington Barns
175 Traquair House
143 Wycoller Village, the Beck and
176 Gullane Bay
the Moors
177 Pentlands Reservoir
144 Oakwell Hall
178 Beecraigs and Cockleroy
145 Newmillerdam
179 Strathclyde Country Park
146 Bradfield Dale
180 Culzean Country Park
147 Barton Clay Pits
(@ Aberdeen• 181 Glenashdale Falls
148 Sewerby Park and Dane's Dyke
SCOTLAND 182 The Banks of Loch Lomond
149 The York-Selby Cycle Path
@ 183 Dun na Cuaiche - an Inveraray
150 Pickering Castle
@ Viewpoint
151 Robin Hood's Bay
184 The Fairy Hill
152 Swinsty
185 The Highland Edge
153 Bolton Priory
186 Bracklinn Falls
154 How Stean Gorge and Tom Taylor's
187 Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell
Cave
188 From Coalmine to Country Park
155 Aysgarth Falls
189 A Ramble on the Lomond Hills
156 Tarn Hows
190 The Earl's Tower
157 Muncaster
191 Around Glen Lednock
158 Derwent Water
192 The Hermitage and Ossian's Cave
159 Gelt Woods
193 The Pass of Killiecrankie
160 The Eden Valley
•rlisl:•• •• • 194 Dunnottar Castle
161 Bowlees
195 Duff House and Bridge of Alvah
162 Stanhope
• NOR•TH ERN • 163 Castle Eden Walkway 196 The Bow-Fiddle Rock
197 Loch an Eilein
164 Marsden Rock
198 Neptune's Staircase
•• E• NG0LYorAk ND 116656 HHaardersiahna'ws WLianlnl 199 The Fabulous Falls of Foyers
Preston . • • 200 Durness and Balnakeil
167 Dunstanburgh: The Castle Above
•• 1f"i the Sea
168 Bamburgh and Budle Bay
169 The Town Walls of Berwick
170 Peel
Introduction
by Paul Sterry
0
ne of the great pleasures of
walking in the countryside is
discovering a new landscape and
the wildlife that goes with it. Yet it is
possible to walk for several miles and
apparently see very little. It is only when
somebody points out a clue that you
realise you may have been missing all
sorts of interesting things. This
introduction is designed to give you a few
of those clues, to help you really enjoy
and make the most of your walks.
While many of the walks in this book
pass through nature reserves and
national parks - areas where plants and
animals are particularly encouraged to
flourish - others simply take you through
attractive scenery, but all the walks
unashamedly celebrate the traditional
landscape and wildlife ofBritain.
The wildlife heritage of Britain is
extraordinarily rich and diverse, and a
naturalist's interest in plants and animals
can be satisfied almost anywhere in these plants and animals are habitat-specific become your own nature detective. If you Keeping Your Eyes Open
islands. All you need is a keen eye, a sense - that is, they occur only when certain were not already interested in natural Follow the routes in this book and nature
of curiosity and an ability to interpret the conditions of landscape, climate and food history, the wallrn will whet your appetite will be all around you -but there are ways
landscape and wildlife around you. source are met - the distinctions between for wildlife watching. Using the book as a to increase the range of things you see
This introduction sets the scene for the these wildlife communities are guide, weekend walkers will soon and improve your chances of seeing them.
walks, and provides background highlighted in the text. Information is also discover that an interest in natural All you need to know is how, where and
information for the habitats and wildlife provided on how to get the most from history can really enhance your day out when to look, and the following
you are likely to encounter. Because some your observations, so that you can in the country. guidelines will make your task easier.
full of overweight and for the purposes of the more casual Fieldcraft Skills
unnecessary equipment! observer they are unnecessary. Although you will have no difficulty in
For the birdwatcher For a closer look at plant life, the seeing wildlife along the wallcs in this
and anyone who wants to choice of equipment is even simpler. A book, a knowledge of the techniques and
observe shy creatures small hand lens is all you need to view fieldcraft employed by experienced
such as deer over a floral details in close-up, and also comes observers can be useful. A lot of this is just
distance, the most obvious in useful when observing insects and common-sense although some of the
piece of equipment is a other invertebrates. If a pair of binoculars following tips may be less immediately
pair of binoculars which is all you have with you at the time, and obvious to the less experienced naturalist.
should be both of a you need to scrutinise a flower or leaf; try The approach to birdwatching
reasonable magnification turning the binoculars the wrong way depends on factors such as the habitat in
and lightweight for round to look at the fine detail. You will question, the season, and the type of birds
carrying. When be surprised at how effective this can be. you are likely to encounter. Take, for
purchasing a pair for the The ability to identify and name the example, birwatching in a deciduous, or
first time you should bear plants and animals that you encounter is broad-leaved, woodland. In the spring,
in mind the set of two part of the fun, and a good set of field the different bird songs give the best clues
figures that accompany all guides can help here. There are excellent as to the species present. Singing male
binoculars - typical books available covering almost every birds, while initially difficult to locate
examples might be 8x30 aspect of British natural history, and among the emerging leaves, can be
or 10x40. The first there is a particularly wide - indeed, tracked down by following the source of
number in the couplet bewildering - choice relating to birds, the sounds. From dawn until about eight
refers to the magnification wild flowers and trees. Some are o'clock in the morning is the best time of
(that is, eight and ten illustrated with photographs, others with day for most species, after which they
times respectively), and artwork. Whichever you prefer, try to often cease singing and concentrate on
the second indicates the select a guide which does not go into feeding.
light-gathering capacity of more detail than you actually want - this Nightingales, which may be heard on
the lenses: the higher the will only complicate matters. Included in several of the walks in this book, will sing
Animals have their different methods of opening conifer figure, the brighter the this proviso must be a consideration of the at almost any time of day and often at
cones to reach the seeds within. Diagonally left from top image you will see. geographical area that the book covers - night as well. On a stroll in the late
right, these are pinecones nibbled by mice, woodpeckers, At first, it might seem so do not buy a guide that covers the evening through woods, you may also
crossbills and a squirrel. The four spruce cones below
that a high magnification whole of Europe if you are only interested hear the familiar sounds of tawny owls
(clockwise from bottom right) show the undamaged state,
and bright image are in British wildlife. and the strange, grunting calls of the
and evidence of squirrels, woodpeckers and crossbills.
obvious specifications to Using your field guide, try to identify woodcock.
aim for. However, the the plant or animal in question on the Go birdwatching in a winter
larger the magnification spot. Failing that, why not take a woodland, however, and you will need a
Choosing Your Equipment and the brighter the image, the heavier photograph for subsequent scrutiny? different approach. Many of the small
Before you set out on a walk, consider the and more unwieldy the binoculars Most modern 3 5mm SLR cameras are songbirds gather together in mixed
sort of equipment you might need. The become. Try a few pairs out in the shop, suitable and you will need a close-up lens feeding flocks that roam nomadically
items should be appropriate both to your and aim at compromise with a for flowers or a telephoto lens for birds through the trees. For long periods of time
particular interests and the character of lightweight pair and a specification of and mammals. This also removes the you will not see a single bird but do not
the walk, of course, and above all, they around 8x30. Dedicated birdwatchers temptation to pick or collect from the get disheartened. All of a sudden, a noisy
should be portable. There is nothing invariably include a telescope and tripod wild, an activity that should be avoided at flock will come into range. Birds from the
worse than being burdened by a rucksack among their armoury of equipment but all costs. flock can sometimes be lured closer by
making a 'pssshh' sound with clenched strategy is needed. The birds are often just as much fun to look for their tracks, foxes. The latter are superficially similar
teeth and pursed lips. Make sure your rather wary of human figures in this trails and signs. With some nocturnal to those of dogs, so beware of possible
walking companions know your otherwise rather featureless landscape. animals, this may offer the only likelihood confusion between the two. Badgers too
intentions beforehand, however! Use the cover of bushes and hedges of detecting their presence in an area. leave broad prints in muddy soil. Follow
Around the coast, you need to employ adjacent to the mudflats and keep low their trails and you may find a badger
different techniques again. Some of the down. If you can interpret a tide-timetable Tracking latrine or tufts of hair caught in the
walks visit seabird colonies, which are at with confidence, this can also be useful. Some of our larger mammals leave lowest strand of a barbed wire fence. If
their busiest from May to July. Generally Find a comfortable spot near the high-tide conspicuous tracks which can be readily you come across a badger sett, however,
speaking, the birds nest on inaccessible line and sit there on a rising tide. The identified when found along muddy leave it well alone. Badgers desert their
ledges and are confident of their water will gradually push the birds paths. Roe deer, for example, leave neat homes if disturbed by human scent.
invulnerability. Consequently, the birds towards you and if you remain still, you slots made by their hooves. These are Food remnants and other signs of
often appear almost indifferent to human will get excellent views. smaller but more regularly encountered feeding can also provide valuable clues to
onlookers; all you need is the common When viewing mammals, remember than those of fallow deer; and red deer the inhabitants of the countryside,
sense not to approach the cliff edge too that they have keen sense of smell. prints may be encountered as well. particularly those that are shy or
closely for your own safety. Approach deer, for example, from a Beware of confusion with the tracks of unobtrusive. Mice, voles and squirrels all
On saltmarshes and estuaries, at their down-wind position and try to keep below domestic sheep. have distinctive ways of eating hazelnuts
best in terms of numbers and variety of the skyline if possible. With both Other commonly encountered tracks and acorns - the shape of the nibbled hole
birds in the winter months, a different mammals and birds, however, it is often are those ofrabbits, grey squirrels and and the size of the teeth marks can tell
you a great deal. Pine cones too are eaten yourself to scan the ground at your feet as nuthatches and tree
in a variety of ways according to the well as the tree canopy above. Ground creepers, which are more
species carrying out the nibbling. level searching can be particularly fruitful or less restricted to
Don't forget to keep an eye open for on an autumn walk in woodland. Try woodland areas.
droppings and pellets, which are excellent lying on the ground and looking around The walks in this book
clues to the other users of your path. The for fungi - you will be amazed at how explore just about every
droppings of rabbits and deer are easily many more species and specimens you sort of habitat found in
identified. Equally so are those of foxes, see at this level. Britain, and the notes
which are deposited in conspicuous places A few creatures leave clues which tell below will help you know
on paths and rides in order to advertise us about their homes. Lucky observers what to look out for in •
the boundaries of a territory. may find the round nests of harvest mice, each type of landscape, at
•
woven out of shredded grasses and sited different times of the year.
.
Using Your Senses among meadow plants. Along the hedges,
While we identify things around us by look for bramble leaves marked with Freshwater
sight, using our other senses - particularly white scribble marks: these are the homes Spring is an excellent time
smell and hearing - can provide vital ofleafminer caterpillars which actually of year to visit freshwater
information about certain species. Bird live between the leaf surfaces. Logs and habitats. From as early as
calls are obvious examples where sounds fallen branches on woodland floors are February, frogs and toads
can be diagnostic: with practise, most also good hunting places. Turn them over return to ponds, lakes and
people can identify a reasonable number to find slugs, snails, woodlice and canals to spawn,
of our native birds by sound alone. Some centipedes but remember to turn them invariably returning to the
insects, particularly grasshoppers and back again when you have finished. area of water in which
bush crickets, are also notable songsters. they themselves were
The use of smell is normally associated Reading the landscape spawned. When spawning
with the identification of plants, both from Any walk in the countryside can be is in full swing, seething
the flowers and from scents derived from enhanced by some knowledge of the masses of frogs or toads
crushed leaves. It becomes particularly landscape through which you are and their spawn may be
important in the identification of fungi travelling. Seasonal changes affect every found. If you wait
Droppings vary greatly from species to species
- and the sickening aroma of the aspect of the landscape, and the time of patiently in a suitable
and are one of the most significant clues to animal
stinkhorn fungus in hedgerows and year can have a crucial influence on what location, you should hear
activity. Clockwise from top right,
woodlands between May and October is will be seen on your walk. To observe the the males' quiet, croaking look out for the distinctive droppings of hedgehogs,
not easily forgotten. The pungent, musky changes, try visiting a few of your calls. rats, fallow deer, badgers, hares, stoats, rabbits, pine
smell of foxes, used to mark territories, is favourite wallcs during each of the four During April and May martens, red deer and foxes.
another distinctive aroma of the country. seasons for comparison. Whatever the many of our water birds
Adults tend to take most notice of time of year, you can be sure that there start to nest among the
plants and animals at eye level, but as will be something of interest to see. vegetation that is just beginning to gravel pits but builds the same sort of
anyone who has taken a~country walk Although some plants and animals emerge around the margins of the water. floating nest. It can sometimes be found
with children will tell you, by paying less are found in a wide range of habitats, Slow-flowing rivers and streams in the vicinity of nesting coots and
attention to other levels in the terrain, we others have more specialised needs and sometimes harbour little grebes, rather moor hens.
miss all sorts of interesting things. may only occur in one particular type of secretive birds which build floating Insects begin to make their annual
Children are invariably better than adults habitat. Some obvious examples are nests of vegetation attached to water appearance in the spring as well. Having
at spotting interesting plants and animals aquatic plants, which are only found in plants. Their larger relative, the great· spent the previous nine months or so as
at ground level, and it is worth training freshwater habitats, and birds such as crested grebe, prefers sizeable lakes and nymphal stages in the water, dragonflies
