Todays visit to RCW was a tale of two halves. The morning was fine and warm, following lunch temperatures dropped and rain clouds appeared. We completed our walk in light drizzle. It had been commented that this "summer" it had been difficult to decide upon what to wear or bring on outings due to the variability of the weather from day to day and during the day. Nevertheless we were well prepared, Maddy wearing wellingtons and others bringing umbrellas.
Due to the warm weather conditions in the morning we were able to watch and enjoy a variety of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects. The butterflies included Gatekeepers ( a good number- they were everywhere), similarly Holly Blue. Others were Ringlet, Speckled wood, Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Small and Green veined White and Small Skipper. Damsel flies included Common Blue and Banded Demoiselle seen by Angela along the side of the canal. Several Brown Hawker dragonflies were trawling the reserve.
The variety of floral species including grasses, rushes and sedges was outstanding ( Alice has produced an extensive list). She was especially delighted to see 6 umbiliferer species in one day including Hogweed, Hedge Parsley, Rough Chervil, Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Angelica and Hemlock Water Dropwort. Other top species seen before lunch included Centuary, St John's Wort, Red Bartsia, Bristly Oxtongue and Golden Mellilot.
Lunch was taken in the luxury of the wooden gazebo. We continued our exploration in the afternoon in wetter conditions moving onto the canal tow path with its magnificent display of waterside and water plants. Along the canal bank we enjoyed the purples, blues and yellows of Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Sweet, Meadow Cranesbill, Meadow Vetchling and Yellow Flag. The water plants included White and Yellow Water lilies, Amphibious bistort and Water plantain.
From the hide situated at the far end of the towpath we saw Gadwall, Cormorant, Common tern, Great crested grebe, Little grebe, Black headed gulls and a succession of small brown birds that flew up from the reeds and quickly disappeared, however one was identified as a wren on account of its upturned tail. On the land on the far side a tall structure has been created with a platform containing a nest of sticks aimed at attracting a passing osprey. Perhaps we will have a breeding pair in a few years time. Other birds seen or heard were Goldfinch, Canada geese, Reed and Sedge warbler also Blackcap.
This was a varied day out and completed in good time. It was impressive to witness the work that the YWT had put in since adopting the reserve in 2019 to make it a good resting/ breeding place for birds as well as a comfortable place for visitors with the provision of good gravel paths, a gazebo, picnic tables, information boards and viewing screens and a hide. The reserve received fame in February'23 for it's spectacular starling murmuration. Perhaps we could consider a visit using the tow path for access equiped with torches for the return to the car park.
Thanks to all 9 participants and to Kevin our driver for giving us a memorable day out.
See the photos here.
Margaret