Don’t miss the final session of The Methodist Church’s family fun activities for young families at their Coffee and Craft mornings on Monday 2nd September. The session (£2.50 per family) in the West Bergholt Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane from 10.30 – 12.00 is targeted towards children, ages 0-11, but please remember bring a parent along, sorry no unaccompanied children.
Starting slowly in it’s first week, the last session was much busier and a happy time was had by all enjoying a wide range of different craft activities with plenty of coffee, squash and cakes for everyone.
The activities vary each week including, such as mosaic coasters, painting, beadwork, fabric painting etc.. and are designed to allow families with differing ages to all be accommodated with age appropriate activity. Look out for posters for further details or contact Susie Connor who started running these sessions near her own home some years ago because she found it so difficult to find a single activity that all ages could enjoy together. Either call her on 07585 457215 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
The Methodist Church will be providing family fun activities for young families at their Coffee and Craft mornings during the school holidays. The sessions are targeted towards children, ages 0-11, but please remember bring a parent along, sorry no unaccompanied children.
These will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane from 10.30 – 12.00 on the following Mondays:
Aug. 5th
Aug. 19th
Sept. 2nd
… and all for just £2-50 per family. The activities will vary each week including, such as mosaic coasters, painting, beadwork, fabric painting etc.. and are designed to allow families with differing ages to all be accommodated with age appropriate activity. Look out for posters for further details or contact Susie Connor who started running these sessions near her own home some years ago because she found it so difficult to find a single activity that all ages could enjoy together. Either call her on 07585 457215 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
Steve Hallam reports on this year’s Dawn Chorus walk in Hillhouse Wood.
Dawn seems very early
There are times when 3.45 am feels like a truly mad time to go for a walk. Such times are generally around 3.15 am, when the alarm sounds. And, as the guide for this year’s Dawn Chorus walk, I couldn’t help wondering if anyone else was going to be mad enough to turn up this year. As it turned out, my timing was such that I arrived at the old church right on time (close enough to prompt some concerns by Andrew Savage concerning the reliability of the Hallam alarm clock). As I drove down the lane to the church I saw one car (phew – someone’s turned up), then another, and more, and then lost count. I then saw what looked like a small army standing by the bench. Had a coach party turned up?
Andrew, being Andrew, was doing a head count – 32 people! Amazing, and a Personal Lifetime Best!
Which, of course, raised the stakes for being able to find everyone some good birds to see and hear. We had a guess regarding the first species we would hear (not withstanding the Tawny Owls that had been heard already). The suggestions were Cuckoo and Nightingale – both good ones, as these birds have previously achieved this status.
First call from Whitethroat
In previous years we have heard something almost as soon as we’d started off. This year, however, we were past the site of the hurdle maker’s cottage before we heard our first bird. To make up for the delay it came from the hedge right next to us. It was a single blast of Whitethroat, perhaps complaining about its sleep being disturbed. They don’t normally sing this early (not that I have a robust ‘data bank’ to base this opinion on).
An opportunity to catch some late bluebells as well
Things continued to be quiet as we approached the wood, such that I was starting to worry what to talk about. However as we reached the main entrance a solitary Robin struck up its fluid song, and (relief!) we could hear a Nightingale singing lower down the wood. As we stood and listened at least two Tawny Owls were calling at each other from either side of the wood, while the first Blackbird also started. The Blackbird is sometimes referred to as ‘the poor man’s Nightingale’, so we had a good opportunity to compare the two. The first Wrens also entered the fray at this point, while a Pheasant called somewhere in the dark.
Nightingale still singing
We moved on into the wood and took up position around the top pond (it was noticeable how many torches came into use as the group negotiated the narrow path to the pond!). The Nightingale was continuing to sing and could now be heard more clearly. Here we also heard our first Rooks and Wood Pigeons as they woke up. We moved on down the hill to where we had arguably the highlight of the walk: the Nightingale that we had first heard had continued to sing throughout the walk so far. By now we were only a few yards from its bush, but it continued to sing unabated. Everyone in the party was able to thoroughly familiarise themselves with a Nightingale in full cry. At the same time one of the wood’s Blackcaps finally woke up close by. To complete the noisy ‘soundscape’ some Blue Tits started their incessant calling on the other side of the path.
Surprising Goldcrest
Moving on down to the stream at the bottom we heard a singing Chaffinch, some Canada Geese noisily flying nearby, the first Chiffchaff of the walk and the major pleasant surprise of the walk – a singing Goldcrest. What he was doing there I have no idea, as they normally live in conifers. He was near the large Alder trees, so maybe these were acting as a substitute habitat. Reaching the lower pond we had our second surprise – a pair of Mallards. They are presumably looking for a quiet place to breed – they may not have chosen wisely. But it is an implicit comment on the relatively good state of the pond this year that they are even considering setting up home. Whilst here we also heard our first Jackdaws and Great Tits. At this point I (and hopefully at least a few of our guests) heard one call note from a Buzzard somewhere overhead. As we continued round the rest of the wood things started to wind down, but we heard a Nightingale singing in a thicket that I’d not heard occupied before, along with both resident species of woodpecker.
Missing Song Thrush
So what did we fail to hear this year? There are always some species that inexplicably keep quiet. Our ‘roll of shame’ is headed by Song Thrush and Dunnock, while I was also hoping to hear the Nuthatches. The solitary Cuckoo in the area failed to call, whilst it appears that the Yellowhammers who usually live by the track have disappeared. Overall, though, a tally of 21 species was very respectable.
The last weekend of July sees the welcome 30th return of the annual West Bergholt Historic Vehicle Rally. Offering a full programme starting at 10am on both days you will see:
Over 500 Historic Vehicles of all descriptions;
A full programme of arena events including vehicle parades and more;
Trade stands;
Charity Stalls;
Static exhibitions;
Fun fair;
Free Country & Western concert on the Saturday evening (starts 7:30pm);
Licenced Bar;
High Quality catering.
On the Sunday BBC Radio’s Richard Spendlove OBE will open the show. Sunday’s arena displays include:
The Adamson Military Band from Cheshire;
The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment;
Freefall Parachute Team “The Tigers”;
Royal Signals Motor Cycle Display Team “The White Helmets”.
For more information contact M J Culham on 01206 271253.
For those who enjoy their gardening this news update will be of interest, also to those who are keen to show their artistic side.
Little Bentley Waterways & Gardens
This annual show, which runs from 1st June, is one of the largest annual garden shows in east Anglia, regularly seeing over 8,000 visitors. This year, there is an opportunity for your artwork to help raise funds for a local charitable organization. Austin Hicks explains:
The Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion has been invited to run a fundraiser at The Little Bentley Waterways and Garden Show on the weekend of 1st & 2nd June. We are calling it ‘Art on the Run’ and we are hoping to collect 400 pieces of original Art and, in return for a donation of £10.00, visitors will pick a ticket and be guaranteed a piece of art. Funds raised will be donated to Rotary charities, particularly East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH).
We are interpreting the word ‘art’ in its widest sense – paintings or drawings, sculptures, photographs, pottery, wood carvings, embroidery or tapestry, quilting or any other item that can be admired for its creativity. Anything original or limited editions would be much appreciated.
Steve Hallam lead the annual Spring Nature Walk as the Friends of Hillhouse Wood held an Open Day last weekend. His report of the walk is as follows:
Greater Stitchwort & Folklore
According to ancient folklore it is bad luck to pick Greater Stitchwort because doing so can cause thunder storms. Ten minutes before I was due to lead a nature walk on 4 May it appeared that someone had been harvesting the plants growing in abundance along the track. Because the sky darkened, the wind blew, the rain hammered and the thunder rolled. Perfect! All present were grateful that the Friends have the most substantial gazebo in town.
Spring weather being what it is, by departure time the sun was out again. And we had a ‘full house’ of 23 walkers, which was very heartening. Although this spring nature walk is traditionally about the Bluebells, the late season this year meant that these were still not at their best. However this same situation meant that the flowering of many flowers has been squeezed together, increasing the variety of what could be seen. This walk was very much about flowering plants.
As we walked down the track we found both species of Deadnettle, the ubiquitous Greater stitchwort (which everyone was forbidden to pick!), Ground ivy, the first half open Cow parsley flowers, Dandelions and daisies, Lesser celandine, the first few Red campion, Groundsel, dock, plantain and a ‘taster’ of Bluebells. In contrast bird activity was restricted to just one or two Blue Tits. Having made great play of how we are now seeing Buzzards quite frequently it was inevitable that the number of Buzzard sightings on the walk was …. none.
Wood anemones & Lady’s Smocks
As we entered the wood we were welcomed by a beautiful spread of Wood anemones, which were just about to finish. Turning right we passed the first few delicate Lady’s smocks before getting to arguably the highlight of the walk – this year’s display of Early Purple orchid. I am sure that there are more flower spikes each year, and this year they were the most dense yet. A spectacular show, that everyone rightly took some time to file past. While the group were interested to know that orchids were once used as a source of aphrodisiacs, some members gave the impression that they would rather not have been told why this was.
No longer elusive newts
Further on round the pond we found some lovely groups of Primroses and a few Marsh marigolds. I loudly informed the group that ‘you can see lots of Pond skaters and Whirly-gig beetles in the pond. There are newts too, but you never see those’. To which a lady replied ‘Look, there are a load of newts!’ And so there were – floating motionless in clear view just below the surface. What do I know? I suspect that they were sunbathing.
As we descended the hill towards the stream I stopped to show the group a good place for hearing Nightingales and warblers (there were just one or two snatches of Nightingale song, but not enough for the group to latch on to). As it happened there was another item of interest just by the path here, namely a Badger latrine. However before I could explain what this area of disturbed earth was, some of the group moved to stand in the middle of it. Whoops!
Garlic & Crab Apple
We moved on to see the wood’s Ramsons, near the stream at the bottom. Only a few flowers were out, but the garlic scent was as strong as ever. Further round we found a Crab apple coming into blossom. When we arrived at the bottom pond it was the turn of the birds to provide some interest. Several members of the group were able to see one of our resident Nuthatches as it fed on one of the large Ash trees. This species is scarce in this part of Essex, so we are lucky to have some in Hillhouse Wood.
Library shot of Bluebells in Hillhouse Wood
Impressive expanse of blue
Next up was the main Bluebell glade. even though they were still a few days from being fully open, the expanse of blue was still impressive. On the way back we found one of the few remaining patches of the easily overlooked Saxifrage, a few clumps of Wood sorrel, and a decent sized area of the bizarre Moschatel. This tiny green flower is unique. It has a symmetrical flowerhead that is comprised of four angular faces with a fifth one at a right angle on the top. As a result it’s vernacular name used to be ‘Town Hall Clock’.
Steve expressed many thanks to Linda Firmin for taking the time to show him several of the less obvious features of the wood.
Steve Hallam will be leading the ever popular ‘Dawn Chorus’ walk offering a chance to see nightingales and many other brilliant dawn choristers. The walk will be through Hillhouse Wood and will start from the Old Church.
If you haven’t tried this you’ll find it a rewarding and delightful experience at a very special time for the wood’s
varied birdlife.
Please bring warm clothing, stout footwear, a flask of hot drink and a torch. The walk will go ahead only if weather permits.
On Sunday 9th June 2013, farms across the country are opening their gates to the public for LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday.
The Taylor family of Lower Dairy Farm in Little Horkesley, are inviting you to come and discover life on their farm. Explore the farm on a self-guided walk with views across the Stour Valley. Along the way learn more about the crops, animals, and history of this very special area. Then join us in the barn and treat yourself to a slice of homemade cake!
Open Farm Sunday is a national event to allow people to visit farms of all shapes and sizes and learn about what it means to be a farmer. We had people visiting from West Bergholt last year and really hope they will visit again!
Jenny Taylor
The farm is open between 11am – 4pm and entry is free, the address is:
Lower Dairy Farm, Water Lane, Little Horkesley, CO6 4JS
The Friends of Hillhouse Wood’s popular Bluebell Oen day and Spring Walk is taking place on Saturday 4th May, a week later than originally intended, due to the wet winter and early spring.
The guided walk will be lead by Steve Hallam, starting outside St. Mary’s Old Church, Hall Road, at 2pm. The Friends’ Information Point, there from 2pm, will also have a supply of maps, nature trails and family quizzes.
Within the church, refreshments will be provided by the Friends of St Mary’s Old Church during the afternoon. In addition, there will also be an art exhibition there.
Bluebell walks at Hillhouse Wood were recently recognized by The Times as one of the top walks through woods in their Weekend Spring Special on 13th April.
Don’t forget to dress appropriately to the weather!
Following an unseasonably cold March and early April, the Friends of Hillhouse Wood have decided to delay their annual Bluebell Open Day and Spring Nature Walk by one week.
The event will now take place on Saturday 4th May with the guided walk starting from outside St. Mary’s Old Church, Hall Road, at 2pm.
Don’t miss the final session of The Methodist Church’s family fun activities for young families at their Coffee and Craft mornings on Monday 2nd September. The session (£2.50 per family) in the West Bergholt Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane from 10.30 – 12.00 is targeted towards children, ages 0-11, but please remember bring a parent along, sorry no unaccompanied children.
