Benfleet

202401 - Thames Chase Forest Centre

WILDLIFE: Thursday 11 January 2024; Visit to Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster

Hello everyone.

We had a nice day at Thames Chase Forest centre on Thursday, the weather was cold but remained dry all day. We had a bit of a delay in getting there due to the burst water main at Tarpots which as David was there way before us left him time to look round the car park and find Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Buddleia and Cotoneaster. The paths were very accessible. There were large notice boards that gave mindful thoughts on how to enjoy the forest and some lovely wood carvings of owls one of which on a Natural Play trail which I assumed was for children but we didn't investigate! We came across a lot of friendly, muddy dogs that wanted to say hello.

Spied on route were lots of Fieldfare and Redwings, sometimes together in large numbers eating mainly Hawthorn berries, also Robin, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Long Tailed tits and Magpies.

Turkey tail and Candle Snuff fungus as well as Green Elf Cup fungus (without the cups).

We looked at male and female flowers on a Hazel bush. We saw Teasels and Larch trees and Lichens on some branches as well as some Wild Clematis (Old Mans Beard).

There were several Primrose plants amongst the bushes. We found a Magpies nest and a probable Chaffinch nest, which looked very neat. There were a lot of Cherry Galls found on fallen Oak leaves. I think we are becoming more aware of what is on the ground!

To finish our day we had a nice lunch in the visitor centre

Stay safe until our next outing on the 8th February.

Best Wishes Janet