SHAWBURY HEATH
An interesting woodland walk, with the Red Arrows, too!
IALWAYS FIND IT fascinating that churches seem to attract lots of birds, mostly common, but nevertheless interesting. Here, you’ll see House Sparrows (also look for Tree Sparrow) and Collared Doves along with Robin, Blackbird and Wood Pigeon. Hatch Lane has a ditch on each side and a hedgerow and a stream that flows under the lane. There are lots of Blue Tits, Great Tits and Coal Tits along the hedgerow and several Robins each holding a slice of territory. Keep an eye on the open areas, where Barn Owl can be seen and a Buzzard is an almost certainty. At the end of the lane is a public footpath across the edge of a field with trees now appearing and woodland close by. At the next gate are several options and I recommend wandering around various tracks. There are patches of gorse loved for nesting by the Long-tailed Tits, patches of pine enjoyed by Goldcrests and lots of other types of tree attracting a variety of birds. Part of the area is the Forestry Commission and sometimes work is being done in parts. Also nearby is RAF Shawbury – now and then the Red Arrows can be seen overhead.