Wildlife walk in Rodden Meadow

Thousands may have flocked to the Frome Independent Market on Sunday 5th May, but some people preferred to get away from the crowd and enjoyed communing with nature.

Frome Recreation and Open Ground Supporters (FROGS) report, “Fifteen of us sauntered along Willow Vale and through Rodden Meadow, listening and looking for the different birds along the way.  The trees were nearly in full leaf and gave the birds plenty of cover, so it was more a case of listening out for their calls as much as seeing them.  

“The walk was led by Dan Lupton who gave us the benefit of his knowledge and experience, identifying the birds by their flight pattern or by their song in many cases.  

“We saw a sparrowhawk perched in a tree by the river soon after starting the walk.  The bird seemed very content to linger and everyone managed to get a good look at him. We also saw a group of long-tailed tits feeding in bushes, and some swifts soaring overhead. The wren and great-spotted woodpecker were heard, but not seen. Dan pointed out the differences between the song of the blackbird, blackcap, and robin, of which there seemed to be a good number.

“The next FROGS Wildlife Walk will be on Sunday 9th June, starting at 2.30pm, at East Woodlands church, when Eve Tigwell will help us identify butterflies, birds and plants in the beautiful woods. For information please go to www .fromefrogs.org.uk or call 01373 473909. Walks are £3 for adults, accompanied children free.”