Field Notes: High summer in Coventry

Training and Engagement Manager Alison Bucknall reports on an inspiring couple of events we held for local wild place enthusiasts by the River Sherbourne in Charterhouse Heritage Park.

At the end of July, the Coventry team had a short visit from our Glenlude Conservation Officer Ellie Oakley, who had travelled down from the Scottish Borders to lead a couple of walks and talks.

Local wildlife enthusiasts joined us for a couple of events by the River Sherbourne in Coventry's Charterhouse Heritage Park and we all enjoyed listening to Ellie’s extensive wildlife knowledge.

In the morning, we had a lovely butterfly ID walk where we recorded at least seven species for the Big Butterfly Count and iNaturalist records including: a gatekeeper (above left); painted lady (above right); and speckled wood (below middle).

After lunch, we held a Woodland Wonders walk, taking time to identify the sights and sounds of Charterhouse. We finished our walk with an unplanned blackberry picking session - it was just too tempting! One participant had never picked blackberries before so was lovely to see them (and everyone else) enjoying it so much.