Padley is an event for the wildlife connoisseur. The gorge holds specialized birds not usually seen in Notts. The golden ringed dragonfly can be seen on Burbage Brook, and the heath holds green hairstreak butterflies, whinchat and ring ouzle.

So it was that 11 eager enthusiasts set off with great anticipation. We welcomed David Billingham and Jan Hunter to the group.

Strangely the heath was relatively quiet, but on entering the gorge the sound of a singing Wood Warbler caught our attention. It really took some finding, and for many only poor flight views were their reward. Carefully walking down the rock-strewn path, a very obliging male Pied Flycatcher perched on a moss-covered branch for several minutes, giving all crippling views. Now that was more like it, and it was about to get even better. A second Wood Warbler was located singing away at point blank range, flitting from branch to branch, showing off all aspects of its plumage variation and feather structure. Magic!!

Progressing to the base of the gorge to the café for lunch, we dipped on Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher. “Merlin app” said they were present but we failed to locate.

Returning via the other side of the brook and then crossing over to repeat the upper reaches of the morning descent, we emerged at the top to immediately locate a Green Hairstreak butterfly and the delightful black and white Ashy Mining Bee. A detour up a steep narrow heather and bilberry-sided track and we were suddenly knee deep in Green Hairstreak butterflies.

This was wildlife watching at its best. Working hard to find the expected but always dipping on target species. If it was that easy, it would not be such a gripping hobby.

An enjoyable outing attended by Rob & Margaret, David & Veronica, David Payne, Liz, Trevor, Jack, Jan, David Billingham and Tony.

Tony Wardell