The Ridgeway - Cow, Bury and Compton Down (Day Trip)

Summary

Often dubbed the oldest road in Britain, the track along the Berkshire Downs has been in use for at least 5,000 years. This is an ancient landscape on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border just north of the M4/A34 interchange (junction 13). The views to the north from the ridge are spectacular.

Lead by ornithologist Martin Pitt, we will follow a route both on and around the ridgeway taking in Cow Down, Bury Down and Compton Down in our attempts to find the special birds of the this area. Fieldfare, Redwings, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammers all form flocks with the ubiquitous Meadow Pipits and in turn these attract raptors. Merlin, Peregrine and Hen Harrier can be found joining the plentiful Red Kites and Buzzards. As both these and their prey are somewhat nomadic at this season we will try to find them in this open habitat. Grey Partridge still form coveys in the bare fields, although it is clear that they are outnumbered by the commoner gamebirds. At the end of the day, we will also attempt to find the Short-eared Owls that normally roost in the areas of rank grassland, and these may be joined by a Barn Owl. Expect to walk around 8 miles during the day.