Upland birding straddling the Welsh border
Many years ago, while living in Cardiff, I often walked this area at weekends. Recent revisits have shown some changes, but it’s still a good place to find your own upland birds, especially in summer. A circular walk starting and ending on the edge of Kington will take most of the day, but it’s an easy site to dip into, too, from the road between Upper Hergest and Gladestry.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 On the edge of town, look and listen for warblers including Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, as well as common garden birds such as Song Thrush and Blackbird. Spotted Flycatchers are likely in some of the larger gardens.
2 Up on the open parts of the ridge, expect Stonechat, Wheatear and perhaps Whinchat, as well as likely Ring Ouzel during migration periods.
Yellowhammers are widespread, with the chance of roving Linnet flocks. Golden Plovers are possible, too, while the sky above will certainly have plenty of soaring Buzzards and Red Kites, plus Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
3 Park Wood and the other woodland areas on the north of the ridge are good places to find Redstart, plus occasional Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher. The woodlands within Hergest Croft Gardens are good for more of the same, plus common woodland birds such as mixed tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and plenty of finches.
PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: HR5 3EG (this is Hergest Croft Gardens, on the edge of Kingto
