WFV, St Aiden’s RSPB Reserve, near Swillington, 30.9.25

We keep on returning to this wonderful RSPB reserve. On what turned out to be a glorious day, weather wise, only three of us travelled from Culture Fusion in the minibus. Two more were collected at Low Moor & three more were met at the site.

As there was a prospect of seeing a Kingfisher & Great White Egret alongside Bowers we chose to begin with the Bower’s Bimble circular walk. Good views were had of the egret but alas no Kingfisher.

At the far side of the lake we encountered lots of fungi; Brown Rollrims, Brown Birch Boletes & pale pink russulas (in all probability these are Bleached Brittlegills (R exalbicans), closer to the VC we saw two partial rings of Fairy Ring Champignons. Field Mushrooms were spotted throughout the day.

We arrived back at the VC at 12:30 so that proved to be the ideal time & place for our lunch. After this we proceeded to walk down the main path & between the Western & Eastern Reedbeds. Birds seen incl Lapwings, Little Egret, Pochard, Kites, Buzzard & Stonechats.  Lots of Cetti’s Warblers were heard but not seen.

 Insects = Red Admiral, Common Blue Butterfly (female), Small Copper & Small White, lots of pale caddisflies, Common Darters & Migrant Hawkers.

Our walk finished just after 15:00 so we had time for refreshments at the VC before heading back at 15:40

Many thanks to Julia for driving. 

John Gavaghan