Just returned from a wet and windy long weekend in the Forest of Dean.
We stayed at the Forestry Commission Campsight,Woodlands, just outside Coleford.
The Primary object was to see the Wild/Feral pigs that are supposed to be there.
We did hear a grunt and a squeal.we also found tracks.No sighting of the pigs themselves though.
Not a total washout as we did get some superb views of some Willow Tits,a first for me.
The Jays were very active,stashing acorns for the winter, and a Nuthatch was a regular visitor to the campsight.
Quite a substantial flock of Mandarin Ducks on Cannop Ponds along with a lone young Greylag?? Goose.
On the cycle track just before New Fancy View one lucky birder and his partner saw Great Grey Shrike.
A good weekend in spite of the weather and as usual the Forest came up with something new for me.
Where abouts in the forest are they, are there any hotspots? Might be worth a visit when I am down that way next.
Thanks
Mark