Mansfield & Ashfield Local Members Group

A Walk around Rainworth Water
July 2005

John Woods, Sherwood Ranger and budding poet, led this walk. We met just off the new bypass but were soon able to forget the traffic and immerse ourselves in the surroundings and his local tales and poetry inspired by the area. Much work is being done to improve the habitat for wildlife from its industrial period. The trees are perhaps still too young and regimented but there was evidence of areas for butterflies in particular. We looked for the dingy skipper that is keen on Birds Foot Trefoil. but sadly could not spot it.

We spent some time watching kestrel on the hill who were watching the rabbits and hoping for prey. There was an obscure bird on a telegraph pole which turned out to be a magpie trying to disguise itself. It is a very peaceful area (when the motorbikes are not around) and an excellent example of what can be done to improve old pit areas for wildlife and human enjoyment.

Many apologies to those who did not manage to find our meeting spot that evening. I understand they had an alternative walk on L lake and saw seal, otter, kingfisher and possibly a puffin!!! Don’t believe a word of it.

Here is a poem by John that was inspired by the area. If you would like us to publish more of John's poems please leave a message in the guest book

Spring by Rainworth Water
by John Wood - March 2005

The Aspen trees of leaf are bare,
Beside the water rippling by,
Blue Tit, on a Hawthorn, perched,
His form, against a cloudy sky.

Greefinch, his strangled call emits,
Snipe towers high on fleeting wing,
And from the plank which spans the stream,
I listen to a Goldfinch sing.

Carrion Crow from Alder calls,
By the gurgle and the gush
Of Rainworth Water passing by,
Relentless, on itsdaily rush.

Winter's silence, broken now,
As birds awake with strains of spring,
The coming season and the joys
it brings to every living thing.

Rushing, Gushing,
Forcing Bud,
Birdsong, electric,
Fresh, so good,
Busy hedgerow,
All a-ring,
I wait to hear
The Warblers sing.

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