A woodland nature trail

Across the water from the Ladybower Reservoir Fairholmes Visitors' Centre and over the other side of the meadow from where we sat and had our picnic is a nature trail.  There's an easy route through the woodlands of mainly sycamore, rowan, oak and other deciduous trees. The original woodland of the valley was reduced by cutting and grazing. Now broad leaf species are being planted to replace some of the conifers that had been been introduced around the reservoirs to reduce soil erosion and these are being protected so that they can regenerate naturally from seed.

Some interesting sculptures and seats have been placed along the trail.  I hope you enjoyed the short walk in the woods.

Picnic by Ladybower Reservoir

This was our picnic spot (you can just see one of our folding chairs in the shade of the trees) when we went out with the family during the half term holiday.  We were by the top north-east end of the Ladybower Reservoir and close to the overflow wall of the Derwent Dam and near the Fairholmes Visitors' Centre and Nature Trail.

The view from our picnic spot.

The water looked VERY deep, still and mesmerising.  Sometimes the water from the Derwent Dam flows over the retaining wall.  It must be quite a sight and it's rather thought-provoking to remember that there are thousands of gallons of water on the other side of that wall.

The wall and towers of the dam are very impressive.  In the west tower is the Derwent Valley/The Dambusters Commemorative Museum and I walked up the steep steps to the entrance of the east tower. More energetic walkers can take the path to the very top and then on by the side of Derwent Dam and the Reservoir to Howden Dam. I would have loved to have had the time to explore and see the other side of the wall and the waters of Derwent Dam.

The overflow water from the Derwent Dam flows into Ladybower Reservoir.

Part of the water channel was dried up, but where there was some water 'skimming stones' was a lot of fun for my husband and grandson. We were certainly thankful for the good weather during that week.

                                  

Farm open day

On Sunday we went to visit a local farm open day.  It's a dairy farm that I've featured before and one which has a delivery service and a small shop and refreshment area on site. There are several family fun days each year that are very popular and where the concept of buying from farm shops and farmers' markets and other local outlets that sell their products can be promoted. The farm is a well known one especially for its branded 'Our Cow Molly' ice cream and the farmer and his cows are often seen at the annual food festival in the city.

On Sunday there were tractor rides for the children and other activities and different aspects of

life on a dairy farm demonstrated.

The farmer talked about milk production and there was a demonstration of churning butter, which I missed as there were long queues for the refreshments!

A local butcher cooked sausages to go in the bread rolls.

These are the photos from last year.  As you can imagine, the ice cream parlour was full of families queueing for ice cream and drinks on Sunday!

We shall go back soon and see what other local produce is on offer to buy, especially as it combines a drive or walk along beautiful country lanes in the area not far from where we live.