JMNR 16th April 2015

A large, trampled latrine was found on the tracking pad in the brook. Most likely to be Water Vole but the droppings were drier and smaller than normal, so they may have been deposited prior to the good weather of Easter week (but after 24 March). As the surface of the clay was also dry there were no visible footprints.
Blackbird, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Great Tit, Mallard, Pheasant, Robin, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon.
Small Tortoiseshell (1).
An unidentified Newt in the bottom pond, most likely to be Smooth Newt.
Blackthorn in flower (H4, H5), Cowslip (C4b/c), Dandelion (C3a, C4b/c), Field Woodrush (C4c), Hairy Bittercress (C3a), Lesser Celandine (C3a), Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (C6a)