13th April 2007

Birds of the Blackwater Valley

Buzzards, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and all three woodpeckers … these birds and many more have been seen in the Blackwater Valley at this time of year. So if you are interested in trying to see if you can spot them join a special guided bird walk organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust around the countryside at lower reaches of the River Blackwater around Swallowfield on Thursday 3rd May. 

The area, with its farmland, hedgerows, riverside habitats and woodland, is sure to provide an interesting mix of birds at this time of year with migrant birds arriving or passing through. The walk includes access into the grounds of Swallowfield Park by kind permission of the owners. Led by Colin Wilson the walk will cover around two miles and last about two and a half hours – depending on the weather and the birds seen. Bring binoculars if you have them and see how many different birds you can see. Wear suitable clothing and footwear as the route crosses uneven ground off the main paths. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, but no dogs please.

Please phone 01252 331353 in advance to book a place, so we have an idea of numbers. No admission fee although a donation to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust would be most welcome. The walk starts at 10am from Swallowfield Village Hall car park, Church Road, Swallowfield, grid ref: SU 728 650.

END

For further information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer
on 01252 331353. Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

NOTES

• Launched in 2006, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charitable organisation which seeks to raise funds to enhance the valley for the benefit of the people in the area and the wildlife. Anyone interested in wildlife and walking, cycling or jogging can join for just £5 per year for family membership (£100 if corporate membership is required) by contacting the Trust at Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2PS, telephone 01252 331353 or visit our web site at www.bvct.org.uk
• Colin Wilson is Bird Report Editor & Records Co-ordinator of the Reading Ornithological Club which provides beginners and experts alike with birdwatching experiences in and around Berkshire and southern England throughout the year. For further details please see www.theroc.org.uk or email Colin at colin.wilson@theroc.org.uk