Stop 11: Sparrowhawks at the Spanish Chestnut

Look up at this great Spanish chestnut tree, grown from seed brought from Spain. Walk slowly all the way around it. Can you spot its face (eyes, nose, moustache, mouth)? Imagine you come here at night and the tree wakes up. What does it say to you? Write or draw what happens next between you? Does it walk around at night and perhaps meet a native oak or rowan tree? It is your story, so you decide!

Can you spot any sparrowhawks? They are small birds of prey, adapted for hunting different kinds of birds through dense woods. They chase off magpies to protect their territory and bring food back to feed the females and chicks on the nest. They have hooked beaks and sharp talons to catch and tear the flesh of their prey. Some sparrowhawks can catch bats too.

Activity:

Have a go at writing a poem or a story or a reflective account of your experience going around the trail today. Think about the words you use. Can you use a different, better word?