17
immediately he would need a small field for
treating the sheep but especially for lambing;
preferably sheltered and free draining, which,
on Bagshot Sand and a steep sided valley,
fitted very well.
The only internal field boundaries formed by
ditches which I have not been able to show an
immediate need for are between fields A and B,
and F and K, which could have been formed
later. The boundary mentioned earlier which
has the curved end was presumably dug at the
same time as the rest, as the short length
between fields B and E would have been
essential for drainage, so no doubt the whole
length was dug at the same time, if not the
field lay—out would not have made sense.
DAVID L. BLOOMFIELD
BIRDWATCHING IN THE LEE VALLEY
Long-eared Owl, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail,
Whooper Swan, Smew, Goosander, Wigeon and King-
fisher to name but a few. Where? Fishers
Green in the Lee Valley near Waltham Abbey.
All these species were seen by my wife Margaret
and me at Fishers Green in January 1987, but we
didn't see the Great Grey Shrike and just
missed the wintering Bittern at Rye House Marsh
R.S.P.B. reserve.
These sightings may seem impressive, but they
are only a small percentage of the spectacular