Frampton in Summer

Our popular seasonal visits to Frampton continue with a summer exploration of one of Gloucestershire’s most productive local birding sites. We’re fortunate once again to be joined by local patch expert Nick Goatman, who has spent more than two decades birding Frampton and knows every corner of this remarkable area. Nick has recorded over 200 species here and always seems capable of finding something unexpected.

By mid-summer, the birding is very different from our spring visit. Many species will have successfully fledged young, and we’ll have the opportunity to observe family groups feeding along the hedgerows, reedbeds and lake margins. Frampton’s varied habitats – including its lakes, reedbeds, farmland and mature hedgerows – provide excellent opportunities to encounter a wide range of species during the morning.

Potential highlights include:

• Spotted Flycatcher
• Reed Warbler
• Sedge Warbler
• Whitethroat
• Lesser Whitethroat
• Cetti’s Warbler
• Hobby
• Green Woodpecker
• Kingfisher
• Grey Heron
• Little Egret

Summer is also an excellent time to enjoy the wider wildlife spectacle. The reserve is often alive with dragonflies and damselflies, while butterflies such as Marbled White, Gatekeeper and Brown Argus can be abundant. Wildflowers should be at their peak, adding plenty of colour to the walk.

We’ll meet in the small car park at the bottom end of The Green on the track leading towards the sailing lake at 8:30am. The walk is largely flat, with good paths throughout, making it suitable for all abilities. We expect to be out for approximately three hours