manor house stood in the circle, but this was demolished,
leaving only two blocks of stables, now converted into
private residences.
For us, the main interest lay in the Nature Trail
laid out here by the Cambs. and Isle of Ely Naturalists'
Trust. We took the Trail, guided by a well-produced
booklet, and observed the giant hogweed (Heracleum
mantegazzianum), and were soon walking through the circular
strip of beechwood which runs all round Wandlebury Ring,
Wood Sanicle (Sanicula europea) was still in flower. We
were surprised at the softness of the bark of the
Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), After completing
the Trail the party dispersed and the rain set in.
Roy Masefield
June 20th. Mill Green (Birds)
Fifteen members attended this meeting. It was a
gloomy, overcast, showery day with very little sunshine.
In spite of this, no member got wet, and they were able to
see and smell at least a dozen Stinkhorns in the woods.
An "egg" of this was also found, opened, but not tasted!
In the morning, a tree pipit was watched, singing and
giving its display flight, It is good to be able to record
that these birds are still present on the Green. Other
birds seen or heard were linnets, the black-cap and
garden warbler, Some members spent a bit of time
identifying flowering plants - a knapweed, and a Labiate,
possibly gipsywort, A count was made of the birds seen
and heard, the total being 29.
Mike Parker
June 25th, Mass Badger Watch and Barbeque (Mammal Group)
On this evening, about 32 members and friends went
out in six groups to watch badgers in different parts of
Essex, Five of the groups were successful, some seeing
badgers in good light from 5 feet or less, This was a
good result considering the moderately high wind and sharp
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