As the days grow longer the birdsong grows in volume and the dawn chorus is very evident especially in the beech wood alongside the main drive beyond the caravan site. Listen for the two common woodpeckers. The green woodpecker is distinguishable by its laughing call and can be seen feeding on the heathland, gobbling up ants. The great spotted woodpecker’s ‘song’ is in fact a drumming sound which is made by hitting tree branches with their bill. This is a combined warning to competitors and mating call. Sometimes confused with the lesser spotted woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker is, as its name suggests, larger in size. It is around the same size as a blackbird compared to the lesser spotted which is sparrow-sized.
The trees are buzzing with life, insects are on the wing. The rides between the trees are ideal spots to see butterflies. Look out for brimstone, comma, gatekeeper, orange tip, fritillaries, common blue, peacock, purple hairstreak around the tops of oak trees, speckled wood and the white admiral, quite common here in this area.
This area is well known for its reptiles the adder being the most common. The adder, or viper as it is sometimes called, is the only venomous reptile in the UK, but is generally shy and non-aggressive. It is a fairly small and stocky snake. It can be variable in colour, with males being usually grey and the females reddish brown. Both sexes have a distinctive diamond shaped or zigzag pattern along their backs.
Adders can be seen basking in the sun on the heath. They get their warmth from the sun and their immediate environment. Reptiles cannot regulate their own body temperature like mammals do.
Never attempt to pick up an adder and keep dogs under tight control.
Slow worms and common lizards will also seek out sunny spots to warm themselves.
