White Coppice, Chorley, 26 June 2010
HIDDEN GEMS OF ANGLEZARKE
A hot sunny Saturday at the end of June saw members of Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society making their way to the Anglezarke/White Coppice area. While parked at the Anglezarke reservoir car park, waiting for latecomers, the sweet descending notes of a willow warbler were heard just by the cars. The walk initially led us through lovely mature woodland and along the eastern side of the reservoir. The usual woodland birds proved easy to hear and difficult to see through the dense foliage dappled by the strong sunlight, though some people managed to spot a family of Nuthatches. Insects were buzzing everywhere and over the water were being snapped up by Swallows with families to feed. The recent months having been so dry meant that fungi were scarce, though we did see a grand example of Oyster Fungus on a fallen tree. Botany lovers were delighted to find a Broad-leaved Helleborine, a member of the orchid family just getting ready to flower. The other botanical highlight was some Yellow Loosestrife.
Once out of the woods, heading north towards White Coppice, fine views of Buzzard, Raven, Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon were obtained, but the bird highlight for many was the silent and sudden appearance of a Tawny Owl close above our heads before it disappeared into dense bushes.
White Coppice is a stunning hamlet surrounding a cricket field where a village match was in full swing. After a well-earned rest and a few overs watched, a return was made towards Anglezarke via the western side of the reservoir. The route passed a glorious garden being prepared for a public open day. The huge number of tiny spider mites on the wall amazed us, but presumably was not having any deleterious effect on the plants. The highlight of the second half of the walk was probably the rich display of butterflies to be found on a patch of brambles, thistles, nettles and other weeds. At least seven species were sighted. The most numerous being Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper.
It was a great day out, though we were tired and footsore in the heat. The flora and fauna seen made it all more than worthwhile. The woods and reservoirs in this West Pennine Moor area are some of Lancashire’s hidden gems for the nature lover.