STROUD Gardening Club's May meeting was a visit to Stratford Park where some 18 members gathered to enjoy a walk led by Mark Graham and Laura Jarman, who stood in for Mike McCrae, who was unwell.

We had a beautiful evening, and it started with a number of people hugging the big Oak tree to estimate its age, which came out at about 300-350 years old.

Mark explained the tree planting scheme, which will extend the tree line in years to come.

The walkers were taken down the steep walk to the little stream at the bottom where Laura was pointing out various bird boxes, and telling us which ones were in use, and that several owls had been seen.

The birdsong down through the woods was incredible (just like a dawn chorus).

There are also seven species of bats in the Park.

We followed the stream until it came along past the mini railway, and then came across a tree which had fallen about a year or so earlier, and it had fallen over the stream, so it was utilised as a bridge, where steps had been added at either end, and a hand rail added for safety.

This was quite an interesting topic for everyone.

From here, the walk went around the lake, seeing the water birds, and a family of swans.

From here we walked up to the walled garden which has just been finished, then past the Museum, and back to the yard where Laura pointed out some bees which had burrowed into an old wall, and birds nesting in hedging.

The walk finished about 9.15pm, and everyone was very tired but happy, and thanks were extended to Mark and Laura for a very informative evening.

A bird box was presented to Stratford Park to thank them for the hospitality extended to Stroud Gardening Club.

Our next meeting is a garden visit to Wesley Court on June 17.