Patch

I can hardly believe it has taken me so long to explore my new patch, but we've been so busy unpacking and generally getting settled in. Today, though, I set off to take a closer look at a nearby piece of access land that I now consider part of my new patch. It consists of an area of heathland and mixed woodland, with mostly oak trees, from which there is a fantastic view over the Loxley Valley and away to Derwent Edge. To get there, I cross 3 hay meadows and return via a country lane, so the possibilities are pretty rich. Butterflies seem to be finally emerging in the warm sunshine and as well as this fine comma, I saw lots of small tortoiseshell and a six spotted burnet moth. I also saw a kestrel hunting over the hay meadows and lots of small birds - yellowhammer being the most notable. I'm going to look forward to visiting this bit of my patch regularly.
Now to make a start on trying to catch up with everyone!