Butterflies were the order of the day from early on with plenty of Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell feeding on the thistle next to the 'new' trail before Winpenny Hide. And a migrant Painted Lady, seen at various times in the morning, was sunbathing on the entrance ramp. (see Phil Thornton's pic below).
Bird wise it was sounds more than sights on the trails, though a nightingale perched briefly on a bench along Adder Alley. Spend a few minutes here and there is a chance the bird will show itself. The dominant songsters were blackcap, whitethroat and wheezing greenfinches adding to the mix.
On the North brooks were green sandpiper, four little ringed plover and a pair of teal flew in at lunchtime, both in fine plumage. Swifts, sand martin, house martin and swallow put in an appearance later in the day. A single hobby zipped along towards Banks Cottage and a young black headed gull chick was amongst 60 or so lapwing, all seen from Jupp's View.
And its here you are furthest from the Visitor Centre if the dreaded 'need to go' strikes. But shortly you can be spared the urgent two step back when our soon to be opened composting loo comes into operation. What a relief!
Thanks to volunteer John for his update