Kettering Church Peregrine Falcons.

Leaving Fermyn Woods behind we stop off at Kettering and the Church of St Peter and St Paul. The Grade I listed building with its 179 feet (55 metres) is a perfected site for the resident Peregrine Falcons. During the war, fighter pilots would look out for the towering spire, higher than anything around, to navigate to the local airbase at Grafton Underwood. Four Peregrine chicks have successfully hatched and are all doing well. It has taken around ten weeks from the eggs being laid to the fledging stage. 

At the end of May the four chicks were successfully ringed, weighed and checked by the Hawk and Owl Trust.

The sex of the chicks was determined by their weight:

 

• MC Weighed 770g (Female)

• MD Weighed 900g (Female)

• MK Weighed 880g (Female)

• ML Weighed 650g (Male)

 All the photos of the Peregrines were taken by Martin Swannell. 

Female Peregrine

They are quite a prolific pair, this is their fourth year of breeding. So far they have raised a grand total of sixteen chicks in that time. The female Peregrine is much larger than the male, almost a third bigger. They also have heavier barring, or markings, the males tend to have whiter breasts. The huge talons or claws are very distinct. As we arrive the female has made a kill. A hapless local Pigeon is being served up. A staple on the lunchtime menu judging by the bones and feathers surrounding the church. Its a complete frenzy as feathers are torn from the carcass and float down like snow. A peregrine falcon can dive up to 200 miles per hour to capture prey in flight, striking in mid-air with its outstretched talons. They will also take other types of birds and sometimes bats, mice, and insects.   

It's a perfect situation really for the Peregrines, and a reason why they are so highly successful in urban surroundings.With such a high vantage point they can take advantage of prey and remain safe. A lot of Peregrine web cams have been set up for the public to monitor their progress. The photo on the left shows the approving mother watching avidly as one of her young makes a slightly ungainly take off. It has been a great experience to watch these masters of the sky at such close quarters.  
 

Fermyn Woods Butterfly Walk

Another trip over towards the Rockingham Forest area of the County We are close to Fermyn Woods again this time in Harry's Park Wood, just off the Brigstock bypass and along Old Dry Lane (North). There is some logging work going on which isn't great news. The slightest disturbance can have an effect on Butterfly appearances. Today we are looking for the elusive 'Purple Emperor'. One of Northamptonshire’s most magnificent butterflies, and each year they draw a lot of visitors to the area. I am in the company of Martin Swannell, a friend and also an expert in all things Butterfly and Bird life. He has been a founder member of many bird and wildlife Groups in Northamptonshire. He has brought his camera and telescopic lens along today. All the good photos on this post will will have been taken by Martin. You will see his name on his photos if you look closely at the bottom. The beautiful 'Speckled Wood' pictured left is one of mine.

 

Unfortunately the temperature has dropped a little since the recent heatwave.  There is cloud cover too which won't help our search. The males  tend to emerge slightly before the females and can spend lengthy periods of time on the ground extracting minerals from the woodland tracks. Once the females emerge their attention turns to mating and they spend a lot more time flying around the canopies. There are though lots of other Butterflies to be seen including Meadow Browns, Skippers, Gatekeepers and Ringlets. We take some side paths through the grass which is lovely but unlikely to reveal any Emperors. There are many Emperor Dragonflies though which is the nearest we shall get today sadly. 

Holly Blue

Gatekeeper (left) and Ringlet

We traced our way back along the original path where even the well trodden horse manure had not tempted the Emperors down. There is a very nice Whitethroat balancing on a grass. We moved on to the visitor Centre at Fermyn Woods over the bridge near to Brigstock. We made our way through the old quarry. It would have been a stronghold a couple of months ago for Hairstreaks. We did see a couple of Siverwash Fritillaries  though which were very impressive. They didn't settle though and therefore no photos.A most relaxing morning was spent again at Fermyn.

Moulton Church Mens Group Walk - Wakerley Woods, Blatherwycke and Bulwick.

 

Men of Moulton Church Walking Group

After a few late withdrawals thirteen willing and able Brothers gathered for the Moulton Church annual walk. Leaving the church we made our way up the A43 to New Lodge Farm for a hearty breakfast to set us op for the treck ahead. A fine breakfast it was too, just what the Doctor ordered. Thankfully the anticipated 'heatwave' isn't due to arrive until after the weekend. Records for June temperatures are expected to be broken. Today it is a little overcast and humidity isn't too bad. Excellent walking conditions really. Leaving New Lodge Farm we turn right, heading in the direction of Laxton.   

Looking back to Laxton

We are seven miles east of Corby in Northamptonshire. Over to our left behind the trees lies The church, dedicated to All Saints, largely rebuilt in 1867 but retaining a late 13th-century tower. Laxton looks a nice place to live , the village Green has a beautiful Copper Beech Tree. We are just passing through though today as we head towards the woods. We do pass the Grade II listed Laxton Hall which seems to bee holding a Fete or something similar.  We pick up one of the trails running through 'Wood Hollow' as we head towards Wakerley Great Wood. It is part of what is still known as Rockingham Forest. Some 593 acres of ancient woodland. It is actually one of the oldest forests in England. We wind our way through the Larch Trees stopping briefly to take on much needed fluids. It is fairly easy walking and very dry underfoot. There are a few Mountain Bikers too, they are polite and give us room to pass. I had heard that the bikes had taken over but that certainly wasn't the case today. We cross over the A43 for a comfort break at Top Lodge Fineshade Wood.

We pass close to the site of Fineshade Abbey. First a Norman Castle, then an Augustinian Priory the building was demolished in 1956. A beautiful house lies across the valley, and some other building work is taking place. We find a shady spot and Rev Nick Alexander gives a reading from Psalm 121. The Psalm starts "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help”.It is also possible that it was sung by Pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. It has also been called a 'Soldiers Song' and a 'travellers hymn'. It feels very appropriate for our walk today. In the background several Highland Cattle nod as if in approval.

Leaving the woods behind we walk downhill towards Blatherwycke Lake. It has been a great opportunity to chat with people that you previously haven't. Being outside in nature and talking is a fundamental of good mental health. The lake lies along the Willow Brook and is part of the broader Blatherwycke Estate. It was dug by hand in the mid-19th century, it is the largest man-made lake in the county.(58 acre body of water).

Blatherwycke Lake

 

A few of us are regretting wearing shorts... the thick long grass and fields of corn are playing havoc with the skin. Resisting the temptation to scratch is the hard part. A short road stretch and we are in the village. There is a beautiful pond literally buzzing with insect life. 

The lovely 'Holy Trinity' church dates back to the 12th century. It stands in the grounds of the now demolished Blatherwycke Hall. The village was immortalised in song by the Comedian  'John Shuttleworth' (Graham Fellows). Apparently noticing the name on a road sign, and then lamenting an opportunity missed to visit.  We are nearing the end of the walk now and thoughts are starting to turn to the big Rugby match this afternoon. Several potential walkers have made a pilgrimage of their own to Twickenham. The home of English Rugby where Northampton Saints will be looking to defeat Exeter Chiefs and secure the Premiership crown. .

Walk completed and shade is sought back at New Lodge Farm .It has been a really enjoyable walk with plenty of interest. Everyone has made it back safely , if a little be itchy and bitten. Nothing that won't soon heal at least. 

According to my Strava App the walk in total was a fraction over 9 miles.  Well done all !
 

Bracon Ash and Mulbarton Walk

Our last day in Norfolk and the weather has turned.  To be more precise it is absolutely tipping it down. Nothing else to do but wait it out until things improve. By mid morning it has stopped and we venture out for a 'shortish' local walk. There is a footpath opposite Mergate Lane which has looked inviting from the word go. It goes through some woodland towards the nearby village of Mulbarton. There is a nice pond and trails through the trees. We cross the road following signs for Hethel Church. The name Hethel is associated with the Lotus car factory. All Saints Church is in a remote area close to woodland and a few houses. In the adjacent field is the Hethel Old Thorn, a hawthorn tree believed to be over 700 years old and therefore one of the oldest in the country.A war memorial in the churchyard commemorates the 389th Bombardment Group which was stationed at Hethel Aerodrome during the Second World War. 321 missions were completed with the loss of 116 aircraft.The churchyard is smothered in wildflowers in spring and early summer. 

The footpath we pick up runs parallel to the nearby solar farm. We follow it not entirely sure of where we will come out. A marker post tells us that we are on the Tas Valley Way. Starting in Norwich The Way goes through Intwood, Swardeston, Mulbarton and Hapton and then follows the course of the River Tas to the source near to New Buckenham.In total the route is 40.2 km and considered an easy hike. We emerge on a beautiful and quiet country lane. We then join another footpath that takes us through some farming country and horse fields. We arrive in Mulbarton and take the opportunity for some liquid refreshment at 'The Worlds End' Public House. Continuing the walk we cross the road to have a look at Mulbarton Church of St Mary Magdalene. Reminded me a bit of Moulton church with the drum kit set up inside. It has an impressive tower that can be seen from miles around. Built over 500 years ago it was used by the Ordnance Survey for surveying their maps. 

The clock in the tower is Mulbarton's World War 2 memorial, bought by public subscription.It was dedicated on October 8th, 1950. It is estimated there has been a church here for more than 900 years - at least since the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). Certainly a church is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church overlooks the magnificent Common. over 45 acres of open land, mostly within a triangle of roads.We cut across the Common as we make our way back towards Bracon Ash. n earlier times, the Common must have been vital to the community: a place to graze the cattle and keep them from the surrounding open fields.There are at least 5 ponds on what is one of the biggest Commons in the country. 

Mulbarton Common

Leaving the greenery behind we make our way through the village along 'Long Lane'. We pass through a relatively new housing estate which looks very well maintained. Which is only in keeping with everything else in Mulbarton. I like it very much and have enjoyed our brief time there. We take the footpath off 'Long Lane' (to our right) and the rest of the walk is across wide open fields. Arriving back in Bracon Ash by another lovely pond.The familiar cry of the resident Peacocks tel us we have arrived back. 

A lovely little walk of around 6 miles.

Hickling Broad and Marshes

Potter Heigham Bridge

We are off to Hickling Broads, stopping off at Potter Heigham on the River Thurne on the way. A village noted for its medieval bridge dating from 1385. Allegedly the most difficult to navigate on the Broads. This was backed up too as we saw a small cruiser get its awning stuck under the bridge. he bridge opening is so narrow that only small cruisers can pass through it, and then only at low water. We walked along the 'Weavers Way' as far as the Tower Windmill. Built in 1849 it is now a domestic dwelling. 

Bird Hide

Hickling Broad is under the protection of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. A haven for many of the UK's rarest plants and animals. the largest individual Broad by surface area in the Norfolk Broads, covering approximately 600 hectares (1,500 acres). Home to Britain’s largest butterfly – the swallowtail – as well as birds such as bittern, common crane, and a wide variety of Fenland plants. With its wide open skies, reed beds, woodland and unspoilt landscape, it offers a perfect place for a walk any time of year. Having paid our fees we have a boat to catch to get up close with nature. There are plenty of 'Norfolk Hawker' Dragonflies checking out the boat. We might get to see Britain's largest Butterfly the 'Swallowtail'. We might see birds such as, Bitterns,common Cranes and Marsh Harriers. A pair of Shelducks fly past and a Hobby is on the wing taking down insects. The navigation channel is only 1.5 m deep, with much of the broad being shallower. Nearby sea levels and storms play a major part in the water levels. 

Hickling Broad was used as reserve station for sea planes by the Royal Naval Air Service in the period 1916–1918.But was only used for two emergency landings.We make our way across the water to a viewing platform, or tower offering great views. It stands at 60ft (11m) and provides a viewpoint across the area's waterways and trees towards the coast.  

Looking to the left it is possible to see the top of the Lighthouse at Happisburgh. Straight ahead beyond the trees would be Winterton on Sea. 

As we return on the boat to our starting point, there are clouds of black smoke in the distance. It is further afield than the Broads but someone has reported that it might be the viewing tower. Our guide is quick to radio back that we have just left that area and all is well. I have the tune 'Smoke on the Water' by 'Deep Purple' running through my head. It has been a good trip , lasted about an hour and a good way to see the expanse of water. After disembarking we continue our circuit on foot around the water. We do get our first view of Marsh Harriers as we pass Bygrave's Marsh    towards Brendan's Marsh. The Spinney nearby is said to be the best place to see the Swallowtail. Unfortunately on this occasion we were out of luck.

Brendan's Marsh

Instead of turning back towards the Visitor Centre we take the trail towards Stubb Mill. A good place to spot the elusive Adder basking in the sun.Not much sun today so somewhat unlikely. The best time is early Spring, after they emerge from hibernation  and they look for a warm sunny spot to raise their body temperature to become active. They are very sensitive to noise and vibration though , disappearing to cover at the slightest threat.   

Stubb Mill

 There are more Windmills in the Broads than anywhere else in the UK. By around 1800 there were 50 drainage mills on the Broads. By 1825 there were over 100. Just past the mill is a superb spot to watch Raptors roosting. The viewpoint is best visited in the winter months (Oct - Mar), when counts of both species using the site will be at their highest. On a winter's evening, the harrier roost may also be used by small numbers of Hen Harrier. Occasionally Merlin and Short Eared Owls can be seen along with regulars Barn Owl and Great Egret.Making our way back on the trail I spot a beautiful Hare in the field. I manage to get over the hedge and get reasonably close.   

Raptor Roosting site

Brown Hare

It has been a really lovely visit and a lot of wildlife has been seen. Just enough time left to pay a visit to the 'Pleasure Boat' PH for much needed refreshment. It is actually owned by the NWT. So each pint consumed is going towards helping nature.I'll drink to that !