Section 1
Abbotsbury Road to Newstead Road

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Westham Halt - the start of the Rodwell Trail

On the face of it probably the least interesting part of the trail from a wildlife point of view, and certainly the most litter-strewn section. However, its proximity to Radipole Lake means that it gets a lot of fly-over sightings of birds. The gardens in Ilchester Road that back on to it introduce a good variety of trees, including one of the few Horse Chestnuts visible from the trail, and these have produced birds such as Firecrest and Bullfinch. Near the old platform there is a good stand of Tree Mallow. The grassy bank above Newstead Road has some interesting plants and is home to plenty of insects such as butterflies and grasshoppers.