28th February – A Field Trip to Lynford Arboretum and Santon Downham
Published January 18, 2016 | coordinators – Glenn Collier & Lucy Topsom
Lynford Arboretum is near Mundford and we will meet at 08.15 for a 08.30 start at the Arboretum Car Park. Grid ref TL823943 (off the A1065 Swaffham – Mundford road). The terrain is flat, with hard paths and rough gravel/grass trails. Toilets are situated nearby at Lynford Stag picnic site (TL814919). You are advised to wear stout footwear and suitable outdoor clothing. Bring a packed lunch and drink as there are no café facilities.
Hawfinch and Firecrest are regularly recorded by the patient observer and we might have good views of Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. Other birds seen in the forest regularly are Goshawk, Crossbill and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The new Lynford Lake, which has a single hide, is good for wildfowl, waterfowl and Kingfisher. We will then move on to Santon Downham, probably after lunch. The timetable is somewhat flexible depending on the birds. Park at the small grassy car park, Santon Downham Grid ref TL820880
Directions. Turn left from Lynford onto A1065 to Brandon. At the traffic lights in Brandon go left onto the B1107 towards Thetford. Just outside Brandon, fork left, signposted Santon Downham and Forest District Offices. Follow this road through the village until you reach the church. Turn left, towards the village shop. Continue on this road, over the river bridge and after about 150 yards turn into an informal grassy carpark close to the level crossing.
If you wish to join Glenn and Lucy sign the Attendance sheet at the next indoor meeting.
