HIGHMEADOW WOODS
A host of breeding birds in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is one of the few remaining large tracts of ancient woodland in England. In summer it is a notable location for a small population of Pied Flycatchers, many of whom breed in nest boxes along with the more numerous Redstarts. Summering Nightjar, Wood Warbler and Whinchat are also present in small numbers. Three declining resident species also breed in Highmeadow Woods: Hawfinch, Willow Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, although all are difficult to encounter and best looked for in early spring. However, the forest is one of best places in the country for Goshawk, which are often seen soaring over the canopy. PAUL TRODD
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Scan the paddocks and fields near the car park for Swallow, Sand Martin, Goldfinch, Linnet,
Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Stock Dove, corvids, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Jay and Pied Wagtail. Check for Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper along the river, and for Grey Wagtail and Dipper around bridges. A good spot for a hunting Sparrowhawk or Kestrel. Check for Barn Owl at dusk, plus Roe Deer and Wild Boar.
2 Forest ponds can attract birds such as Hawfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Crossbill coming down to drink, plus Moorhen and an outside chance of Woodcock. The Oak woods harbour a few pairs of holenesting Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts, plus summering Spotted Flycatcher, Wood and Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Resident species include Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, and Marsh Tit. Scan from viewpoints in the wood for soaring raptors such as Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Red Kite, Buzzard, Hobby and maybe even a Honey Buzzard in mid-summer, as well as hirundines, Swifts and Raven on the move.
3 From the bend in the river by the old railway line check the small shingle beaches for the likes of Little Egret, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Grey and Pied Wagtails. Goosander breed on the Wye, as do Dipper and are often seen feeding in river rapids. Peregrines from nearby Symonds Yat hunt along the river valley while the flood plain fields support Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and Sky Lark, and is a good spot for Cuckoo and Hobby perched on dead trees.
4 Clear-felled and recently planted conifer plantations in the early stages of growth typically attract Willow, Garden and Grasshopper Warblers, Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and the best chance of connecting with the declining Willow Tit. Tawny Owl and Woodcock are active at dusk alongside a few pairs of summering Nightjars. Mature stands of pine can attract numerous Goldcrests and Coal Tits, plus Firecrest, Crossbill, Siskin and possibly even Long-eared Owl.