A trip to the canal

at Burlescombe

AS a wildlife presenter, I always enjoy driving around the countryside in search of new places to explore. So you can imagine my joy when I came across this delightful spot at Burlescombe.

A small group of mallards were snoozing peacefully by the canal’s edge as I stepped out of the car. Swallows flew low over the water, occasionally dipping for a cool refreshing drink and on the opposite side, near the towpath, a sedge warbler was singing from the thick cover of the flag iris that lined the water’s edge. As I wandered further up the canal, I came across a family of mute swans.

The big cob hissed loudly at me as I approached, guarding his brood of nine signets who swam in a tight circle together with mum. I respected his wishes and gave him a wide birth.

Ahead was an iron bridge spanning the canal – the remains old tramway that transported stone from nearby quarries. It was here that I heard the thin, wheezy song of a spotted flycatcher. Scanning the area with my binoculars I soon located the bird, sat on a post, waiting its chance to skilfully snatch an insect from the air.

Climbing the wooden steps to the bridge, I discovered a woodland walk along the old tramway, which brought additional delight to my wildlife wander. This truly was an enjoyable walk throughout and I can thoroughly recommend it. As for me, I will be revisiting the canal at Burlescombe very soon.