The path through the valley was built as part of the celebrations to mark the Millennium. Planning of this walk was started in 1998 with the consent of the many land owners along the way and took just under two years to complete with the help of over 60 volunteers from within the parish.
Walking along the path you’ll follow gently flowing streams hidden within the wooded valley sides looking out over wet meadows abundant with wildflowers including - Cuckoo-flower, Ragged Robin, Meadow Buttercup and Yellow Flag Iris. Later, Water Forget-me-not, Hemp Agrimony, Marsh Thistle, Water Mint and Greater Bird’s foot-trefoil appear. In drier parts of the meadows, Lesser Stitchwort, Wood Spurge and Lesser Bird’s foot-trefoil can be seen.
Within the wooded valley sides you’ll also see a fine assortment of wildflowers, including Bluebell, Primrose, Dog Violet and Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, followed a little later (late May/June), by Foxgloves.
Many of these wildflowers are attractive to butterflies, a wide variety of which can be observed on sunny days. These include Orange Tip (the caterpillars of which feed on Cuckoo Flower), Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell. A colourful day-flying moth, the Jersey Tiger, also occurs. Equally conspicuous are the large dragonflies, several species of which can be seen hunting over the meadow or patrolling the stream. These include the uncommon Golden-ringed Dragonfly, and in late summer, the Migrant Hawker.
This diversity of habitat is also home to a varied and rich bird life which will provide you with a wonderful chorus of songs along your stroll. Some species you may well see including Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, the Chiff-chaff, Blackcap, Short-toed Tree creeper, Greater-spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Woodcock, Sparrow Hawk, Grey Heron, Coots, Moorhens and Water Rails. You may also be lucky enough to spot a Red Squirrel scampering around in the tree canopy.
During the walk you’ll also see several information boards pointing out various points of interest and information about the Parish and surrounding area. You may also want to bring a picnic along with you so you can enjoy the pleasant peaceful environment to be found here.
Due to the cache size there are no trade items and please bring a pen to sign the log. If you’re having difficulties locating the cache please log your attempts online first before emailing for further help.
Please don’t give the cache location away in your logs as I will have to delete it.