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Welcome to Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group

Minchinhampton Common north side

The group was formed to share knowledge about the unique wildlife habitats in the parish of Minchinhampton and to enjoy the local environment in the company of like-minded people. We also monitor and investigate local habitats in conjunction with conservation organisations. Knowledge that we gain is shared on this website and by creating documented walks around the parish.

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More Winter Birds

The cold weather seems today to have brought in to our garden (Pinfarthings just below Minchinhampton Common) birds that we don't see regularly. A flock of Redwings and a female and male Blackcap have been busy gorging themselves on ivy berries. Fields around Cherington are holding localised flocks of Fieldfares as is usual at this time of year. All nice to see.

Details: Written by Robert South; Category: Fauna; Published: 18 January 2019

Birds

Wintering Golden Plovers

Celia and I were tipped off by a golfer that sometimes wintering Golden Plovers come up to Minchinhampton Common from the Severn Estuary towards dusk, particularly when a high tide there limits their feeding. So, as it was a crisp sunny evening we parked at the Old Lodge and within 30 minutes a flock of at least 15 flew in to feed on the short grass between the Lodge and the Reservoir. They didn't seem to mind too much dog walkers, or golfers or even us. Sorry very poor image as only had my phone with me, in addition to binoculars! But nice to see nonetheless.

Details: Written by Robert South; Category: Fauna; Published: 17 January 2019

Birds

A good year for Autumn Lady's Tresses on the Common

Autumn Lady's Tresses seem to be particularly abundant this year, possibly due to the very warm summer followed by a period of rain just before they start to emerge as spikes. We counted about 150 spikes yesterday on one location.