5th June 2004

Travelled down to meet up with Steve, Cathy and family. Arrived about 09:45. Having travelled through several banks of fog, the day is clear and bright. Whilst opening the gate, I heard a deer in the thicket just to the south. After getting organised and setting up the kettle, I had a quick wander around. Two magpies were spotted flying over The Hollies. There are no signs that anyone has been in. Cleared a few branches that have started overgrowing the trackway. Noticed an unidentified beetle, so went back for the camera to get a picture of it. Took a couple of pictures using the digital camera, but noticed the batteries were almost exhausted and I don't have any spares with me.

Returned to the car, and decided to take some more pictures of the flora - this time on film. Took several shots of Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) close to the Main Gate. Some of these pictures also included some as yet unidentified thistles, and a Bumble Bee. Also spotted a large blue and yellow dragonfly by the Main Gate. A swarm of bees then passed overhead travelling south.

Steve and Cathy arrived at about 12:15. Had a cup of tea and a spot of lunch sat in the sun. Saw a Jay being chased by another bird, probably of the crow family but not identified. After lunch we went for a tour around. Started in the southeast corner which is now very overgrown. Returned to the main path and followed it round to the west.

We left the track and headed down to the stream where we took a break. The twisted tree is now looking very unstable and appears to have had a bird's nest in one of its holes. Headed back up to the track and noted where the cabin needs to be sited: Heading north along the track from the slate dip, past the next tree, and the holly bush on the left, the next stump in the bank is directly above the glade next to the stream. The cabin need to be sited to the east of the path by the tree stump.

We continued our tour round to the North Gate and back along the road to the Main Gate and back to the cars. We were all in need of another cuppa. The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting in the shade chatting and trying to identify (unsuccessfully) some of the bugs that were around.

Steve and Cathy left about 17:00 to head back to the north coast. I packed away my things and called in at the farm to say hello. Left about 18:30, and arrived home about 20:45. A very pleasant day relaxing in the wood amongst the wildlife.