ANCHOR CHURCH
Wildfowl, warblers and more on a riverside walk
The ‘church’ of this walk’s title is a series of caves in the bluff above the former course of the River Trent, thought to have been used as a home by an Anglo- Saxon anchorite, or religious hermit. The river now flows a little further away, but the adjoining fields hold plenty of birding interest.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
After parking in one of the rough lay-bys, walk to Meadow Lane, Milton, from where a public footpath runs alongside the sewage works. Wagtails are the main attraction here, with Yellows regularly passing through in spring, and Pied, White and Grey all also possible. Check the fields, too, while the hedgerows should hold Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler in spring and summer.
2
Further along, near the entrance to Foremarke Hall, there’s a path on the opposite side of the road leading to the river. In the plantation look for Great Spotted Woodpecker, the commoner tits and finches, and possible Nuthatch and Treecreeper, while the hedges and scrub near the path should hold Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and possible Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat.
3
The path near the caves is a good vantage point to scan the river’s floodplain. Grey Heron, Little Egret and even Great White Egret may be around at any time of year, while in winter, geese, swans, Wigeon and Lapwings are all likely. Kestrel, Hobby (in summer), Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine all hunt the area, and Red-footed Falcon has been recorded here in spring. Listen for Cuckoo.
4
Further along the path, you have more views of the floodplain on either side of the river. In winter, this is a good area for wildfowl flocks. Canada and Greylag Geese predominate, but check them for the likes of White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Tundra Bean Goose, all recorded here, while the Mute Swans may be joined by Whoopers and Bewick’s.