Walk 19/2007 – Therfield Heath and Village

Sunday 9th September 2007

10 of us took a fairly leisurely 9 mile walk through the ups and downs of the chalk hills and the lush grass mounds and valleys of Therfield. The landscape was fascinating as some of the white chalky fields gave us the appearance of a dusting of recent snowfall over the field. It was a weird sensation particularly as the weather was predominantly most clammy and humid during the day. Where possible we had good views over both Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, but at times the noise of traffic from the busy A505 could be intrusive. During the day we were able to spot several different species of butterfly and birds including a close up of a most colourful kingfisher (bright orange breast and cobalt metallic feathers) – we were so lucky as it landed on nearby foliage whilst we were lunching by a pretty pond. Other birds observed were a buzzard, kestrel and ‘A.N.Other’ that we could not agree on identification. Don’t forget we yet have to complete our full module so that we can identify all birds!

Other wildlife seen were two field mice hopping across our pathway and two deer in the attractive woodlands.

Wildflowers were delightful to include the corn cockle, an amazing field abundantly full of teasels perhaps grown to attract wildlife. A rosehip bush was also passed that carried a questionable growth surrounding it’s stem – please refer to the photograph and let us know what you think it is? (Ed – since identified as a Rose Gall)

Other creatures encountered along our pathway were a herd of rams that looked quite menacing; they were enormous stocky animals and were probably awaiting their meeting with their new ladies of the season. A local springer spaniel wanted to join us for part of our walk causing concern until another rambling group took over the role and returned the springer back to his home boundaries.

On the last lap of our delightful nature walk Nigel and Cathy decided to do some harvesting; blackberries for Nigel’s summer fruit pudding and sloes for Cathy’s “Christmas Gin”. The final result was that there would be a delicious summer pudding that evening and absolutely no gin at Christmas. The motto of that tale is to delegate all walkers with some picking of fruits! (Ed – make mine cherries!)

Our walk was concluded with a delicious drink of either coffee or a pint of ‘Lancaster Bomber’ beer and it was really timely as it was downed just after viewing the return of a Spitfire and Hurricane to an air display at local Duxford. One other drink experienced was a Sam Potter cider of 6% – perhaps Diane slept well on her return home and certainly would have dreamt of the beautiful dragonfly that landed on her leg for a sleep over our lunch.

Report – Cathy

Walk rating – above average to good

We take a pause to check the map.	For some reason we are obsessed with sheep.
A strange growth on a rose hip bush – a Rose Gall	There were a few fields to cross.
Unknown flower. Any offers for what it is?	We come across this attractive little pond.
Where we decide to have lunch.	Some of the scenery.