Autumn in Ecclesall Woods

It was another sunny day yesterday.  Mr P and I had some shopping to do in a different area of the city.  Each area of the city has its own high street and set of small, individual businesses and at the moment the shop window displays reflect the Autumn season and the forthcoming Remembrance Weekend.

the florist's 

the gift shop

the hairdresser's

Next was a walk in Ecclesall Woods.  We haven't been there for quite a while.  These ancient woods are beautiful in the Springtime when the bluebells are in flower and you can see a carpet of blue flowers among the trees. Now in Autumn the woods are just as interesting. 

There are about fifteen varieties of tree in these woods.  Here are oak, beech and sweet chestnut. The branches of trees are left as they fall to create a habitat for wild life.

The only fungi seen that day were turkey tails growing on fallen logs or branches.

There are streams and log bridges placed over them by the rangers who look after the wood.  We didn't walk to the Discovery Centre yesterday although it's very popular with dog walkers and others who can stop for refreshments there, watch woodworking demonstrations or join a group nature walk.

sweet chestnuts

Collier's Pond 

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and the walk.  Thank you for your visit and comments.  Have a good weekend.

A Local Walk

I walked down the hill

 passed the former lodge of the manor house.  The manor house was demolished 

and apartments built on a nearby site.

I passed one of the pubs in the village ...

... then walked up the hill to the parish church.

In the days of horse-drawn carriages or carts parishioners probably living on nearby farms would use the carriage driveway.

There are Autumn daisies and penstemon flowers growing in a flower bed in the church grounds.

the church community centre (formerly the school rooms)

cherry trees in Autumn

the alms houses, now home to senior citizens of the parish

The cats were eyeing up one another.

The black cat went down the path to the playing fields and I followed.

the playing fields

the back of the old school rooms now the community hall

the vicarage

the former carriage drive from the opposite end 

This is the tomb of the two ladies, sisters, who financed the building of the church, the schoolrooms and the alms houses. (Photo taken at a different time).

two angel statues on graves in the churchyard

The churchyard also is a War Graves Commission site.  I'll post more during Remembrance Weekend which will be soon. Those who are buried in the graveyard areas, may they rest in peace.

Up the hill I went to get back home.