Beautiful day in spite of cold breeze at times.Lots of Redstart,Willow Warbler,Whinchat& Stonechats.Also Heard male and female Cuckoo and one seen.2 Red Kites,4/5 Buzzards.1 Hobby,2 Grey Wagtails and 1 Dipper.Lots of the usual suspects for this fantastic area in the company of Adrian Gough.Great day.John Tolfree.

Hello

I've been looking at visiting this area for some time. Looking on Google Earth it appears there are no paths or tracks leading from the bridge over Chetsford Water (SS847419). Can you walk from this bridge or are there better access points?

Many Thanks in advance

Brian
(A Dorset birder spreading his wings)

Park at or v near the bridge, walk down hill following stream, was there last week, ground quite wet on the first part of the walk, therefore boots needed or better still consider wellies.

Huge thanks Paul.

I assume you keep to the left of the stream whilst walking down, then cross the stream over to Ember Combe?

Correct, good luck

Buoyed by the successful trip to Webbers Post we thought we would move on to Chetsford Water and were lucky enough to meet Colin Sage who joined us on a walk, kindly sharing his extensive knowledge of the valley.

Highlights were:

2 Cuckoos
3 Buzzards – including one very pale one
1 Stonechat (m)
1 Redstart (m)
8-10 sightings of Whinchat (m & f) – although difficult to tell if they were all different birds but we reckoned on at least 3 pairs
2 Grey Wagtails
1 Peregrine
1 Skylark – many more heard
1 Reed Bunting (m)
And too many Willow Warblers and Meadow Pipits to count

And finally 6 Red Deer… an excellent afternoon….oh, and we still owe you that pint Colin!