Enjoying Lunch In The SunshineEric and Joan had organised this week's trip but unfortunately Joan was unable to attend on the day. Our outing to Ox Close Wood proved to be a popular one. A couple of cars met up with the minibus at the car park on Crabtree Lane, East Keswick. A few people took advantage of the refreshment van - the aroma was quite tempting. We were met by 3 volunteers from the East Keswick Wildlife Trust, Melanie, Margaret and Paul, who were our guides for the day.Their knowledge of the site, enthusiasm and expertise were so helpful and enabled us to get the most out of our visit. Whilst being briefed in the car park a greater spotted woodpecker flew right over our heads. Our route took us over the road and down the path towards the river.Our first butterfly of the day was a small white. Before reaching the river we crossed a stile into the wood where we were greeted by carpets of wood anemones. Melanie told us about the history and management of the reserve which was formerly owned by the Harewood estate. Primroses, violets, cowslips and a few bluebells were in bloom. A total of 5 butterflies were seen including brimstone. Our guides showed us the site of the thistle broomrape where the seedheads were still evident. A cup-shaped fungus was seen on the edge of a path. This has yet to be identified. Lunch facilities were relatively luxurious with garden chairs or logs for seating in a beautiful sunny woodland glade. There was even a bijou, open-air toilet nearby. After lunch Paul showed the group charcoal burners and explained the process to us. We then headed down to the river initially to a shingle beach where small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies were seen nectarring on the butterbur and a pied wagtail was hopping around by the water's edge. 
Wood AnemonesWe continued on the path that hugged the river where we saw opposite-leaved and alternate-leaved golden saxifrage growing side by side. Yellow star of Bethlehem was also seen, Other botanical highlights included moschatel, few-flowered leek, goldilocks buttercup and a small-leaved lime tree. 33 plants in flowers and 2 ferns were recorded today. A pair of goosanders were seen on the river but they were startled by a loud distant noise and flew off. When we got to the bridge we took the path back to the road. The bridge is currently cordoned off as it has been damaged by falling trees. After regrouping at the minibus, we considered options for the afternoon. 
Small TortoiseshellThere were 4 possible sites to visit but we decided that one would suffice - East Keswick Marsh which was just a short drive away. East Keswick Marsh is owned by the local parish council but managed by the East Keswick Wildlife Trust. The volunteers do a fantastic job of keeping the invasive himalayan balsam at bay. Large swathes of celandine in the grassy areas and marsh marigold by the ponds give a lovely splash of colour. One clump of frogspawn was found in one of the ponds. Stuart was very fortunate to spot a woodcock rise up from scrub. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the 25 birds seen today. Several fungi seen on a fallen tree gave rise to much debate about its id but it was finally decided that it was a willow bracket. A drink in the local pub rounded off a perfect day. Many thanks to Eric and also to our volunteer guides who gave up considerable time to show us around. Sue