GENTLESHAW COMMON
A fine area of lowland heath with extensive views
This SSSI site encompasses some rich lowland heath habitat and offers a good array of fauna and flora. Notable for the area are Bog Asphodel and Round-leaved Sundew with Common Lizard to look out for and Green Hairstreak butterfly in spring. Stonechats are present in good numbers and appear to be doing very well at present. Heathland specialities such as Nightjar and Wood Lark, although scarce, may be chanced upon.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Winter brings flocks of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin to areas of birch. Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and tits are present in good numbers. Spring sees the arrival of warblers with Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap easily heard, being joined by a few Garden Warblers.
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Good views of the surrounding area can be had, Red Kite are now occasional overhead visitors, joining the numerous Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk in the area, even Goshawks have been seen. Ravens are easily encountered, while Hobbies are seen hunting dragonflies over the more open areas of heath during summer.
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Areas of gorse are home to nesting Stonechat and Linnet, the former may be ringed birds, some of which have been noted to disperse during the autumn. Meadow Pipits are present throughout the year and also breed. Grasshopper Warblers may be heard reeling in rank grassland and also listen out for singing Reed Buntings. There is always a chance of flushing a Woodcock in suitable habitat during autumn and winter.
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Short-eared Owls may be observed quartering the more open areas of vegetation, mainly during autumn, but rarely stay for long periods, while Barn Owls are also seen in the area. Cuckoos are now becoming much scarcer but are still to be heard most years.