An early start on the Somerset Levels and a walk along the David Walker path & Sweet Track to Decoy hide at Shapwick. This walk takes in a beautiful woodland area full of grasses and ferns leading on to a lovely damp meadow with Southern Marsh Orchids, Iris and Ragged Robin.
A few species of Dragonfly were on the wing and also perched on leaves etc, brilliant to have some great sightings of the Scarce Chaser. From Decoy hide we had views of Great Crested Grebes, Marsh Harrier, Cuckoo, Coot and a Mute Swan with just one cygnet. A pleasant surprise to see a fledgling Tawny Owl on top of one of the Owl boxes. This is a wonderful walk with plenty of flora & fauna to be seen in an almost Jurassic feel woodland however it is worth noting that the area is rife with mosquitos and the meadow has ticks!
From Shapwick we drove onto Ivythorn Hill an area nearby of undisturbed grassland. Here we found the first appearance of Common Spotted Orchids, Greater Butterfly plenty of Twayblade.
Crane-fly species
Flag Iris
Variable Damselfly
Good to see that the Owl box is being used
Common spotted orchid
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