Ewden valley 7/8/22.

Heather in flower and very purple in places with good numbers of bee's around presumably from the annual arrival of the hives just west of the ruined Holt Farm. Quite a stiff north westerly breeze but not too bad in the warmth. Slow birding with Hobby 2, Peregrine 1, Kestrel c6. Red Kite 1, C Buzzard 5+, Sparrowhawk 1/2. Raven 1 pair, Stonechat 6+ , Redstart m and f in the lodge bracken. Meadow Pipit scarce c5, Spotted Flycatcher 1 at the entrance gate, Roe Deer 1 briefly on Mortimer road.