A Local Walk

The sun was out today and although there was a nip in the air it was just the weather to go for a walk up the hill to the Common.  

Clumps of miniature daffodils and a bank of crocuses planted by local residents were in bloom, dog walkers were making the most of the dry weather to take their dogs for a run.  Some of them were managing several dogs on leads and it was an opportunity to say a friendly "hello".

Nature notes and talks for different groups had been posted on the notice board.  The tree for the month of March is the hazel.

The bracken is dry and brown at this time of the year.  The white trunks of the birch trees stand out against the blue sky as does a distant village.

It was good to get out in the fresh air again.  It's not far to walk back home downhill passed houses large and small and the parish church.

These are the flowers in bloom in our garden today.  Various varieties of daffodil, miniature irises, snowdrops and scillas.

I heard the distinctive song of the robin and then saw it perched high up in the hawthorn tree where there are berries still clinging on to the branches.

I picked the snowdrops from the garden as they were in danger of being nibbled at by some small bug.  They look pretty arranged with sage leaves in a small vase.

 Thank you for your visit.  Have a good day!

A Local Walk

sunflowers in the front garden

It was another sunny day today so after going to the post office to post a birthday card to a grandson I took a walk on the local common land.  

Mr P took me there as it's an uphill walk and he parked in the car park and waited in the car.  I expect it was quite pleasant sitting in the sunshine.  As usual I wasn't long, but it gave me an opportunity to get some exercise as I walked close by on one of the paths that meanders through the Common.  Even though everywhere is still green there are signs that Autumn is on its way. 

After such a dry Summer there are notices to remind walkers and those who take a picnic with them to be aware that even though there's a lot of greenery much of the vegetation on this sandy habitat is tinder dry and is vulnerable to wild fires occurring. 

 

Some of the vegetation at the entrance gate was knee-high or taller, but there was a way in and I walked up one of the paths passing dog walkers along the trail.                                                               

the heather is in flower

Rose bay willow herb is still in flower, but beginning to produce seed pods down the stems that will eventually release fluffy seeds that will be blown about on the wind.

There were brambles, but few blackberries left on the bushes. The prickly gorse was also something to contend with on the narrow paths where the bracken had grown tall, but it was an enjoyable walk that did me good.

The Common is deceptively high up and at certain places you can see for miles across the surrounding countryside.

Although I love the birch trees that grow on the Common my favourite place is the area around the car park where there are different species of tree.  There are oaks, willows, sycamore and white hornbeams and every Springtime narcissi planted by the volunteers and rangers who look after the land are in bloom under the trees. 

  

the white hornbeam

the berries - still green

The white hornbeam is a deciduous tree which is related to the rowan.  It has clusters of white flowers  in the Springtime and produces speckled red berries in the Autumn that birds favour. Although the leaves are green their undersides are almost white. On a windy day the moving leaves have a silvery, shimmering appearance.

the willow

Back in our front garden the bunches of grapes are beginning to colour up as are the leaves. We'll continue to make the most of the good weather either in the garden or when we're out and about in our local area.   

Once more thank you for your visit.  Have a good day and week!

A Walk To The Common Today

On a sunny afternoon I felt like taking a walk to the Common.  It's uphill all the way there, but thank goodness for the downhill walk back home.  Mostly photos rather than words today for this blog post.  Thank you for your visit.  Have a lovely weekend.

 turkey tail fungi growing on a tree stump