Walk on the Wildside

Listening for nightjars, searching for bats, taking in the night sky. This and more was on offer to Hemyock Men and Women last Thursday evening when Richard and Alison Whiteside of Wildside Education led a group across Culmstock Beacon.

Nightjars proved elusive - perhaps still on their way here from Africa, although bats were observed as the evening sky dimmed and several birds of prey were on the hunt. There are few places better than the Beacon for stopping and listening for the sounds and signs of nocturnal activity in the animal kingdom. The group repaired to the local pub to savour real ale and talk of nature.