Ramblings

In a sheltered valley not far from home nature is working its magic quickly, more quickly than at home.  It was alive with birds singing their hearts out and despite the lack of leaves still really difficult to see.  We did spot a few, Robin, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Grey Wagtail and Blackbirds.  The cyclists were out...

As were the leaves on the Hawthorn or May.  These are delicious in a salad when they are this lovely paler green. Ne'er cast a clout till May be out, don't forget to take your warm clothing with you until the May is in flower, was true we started off in t-shirts but were glad of a fleece and body warmer when the sun had gone.

The always wonderful Pussy Willow, the furry catkin of the Willow and Sallow trees, were a delight to see.  These always remind me of my childhood Easter as they were used as decorations instead of palm which doesn't grow in the UK.

The delicate remains of last year juxtaposed with a hint of growth for this.

Several reminders of what this land once was in years long past a level crossing gate, elegant and rusty,

a distance marker,

and a dripping tunnel which had a great echo!

When gorse is out of flower, kissing is out of fashion, so they say.  As gorse is usually in flower somewhere........sadly there was no one for me to kiss except a passing stranger.

The black tips of the ash tree, an easier one to identify in the winter and early Spring when there are no leaves on the tree.

The dogs mercury was pushing up its head everywhere.  A highly efficient plant spreading its rhizomes at up to a metre a year!  It's poisonous though, so don't be tempted to forage the leaves for your spring salads.

A trace of a visitor, we thought perhaps a fox?

There were lots of visible visitors out enjoying the warmth and the quiet of this valley.  I was on foot whilst the children rode their bikes so I was able to really absorb the tranquility, stopping to look and listen every now and again.  I was spooked by several others coming up behind me so lost I was in the magic of this place.  To quote a lovely comment on a previous post, a walk in nature is one of the most affordable luxuries this world had to offer.