Small Horse

Following a rather wet day yesterday, during which I only managed to get out to purchase a loaf of bread - and still managed to get wet, it was nice to be out and about this morning for a walk through Shipley Park. I set out along Slack lane, taking me past the fields of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust where they have recently introduced a small group of Konik Ponies.

The name is a derivation of the Polish for Small Horse and they can trace their ancestry directly from the original, wild European horse the Tarpan. Resilient to harsh weather conditions, they can adapt their diet to take advantage of almost anything available, delaying growth during periods of shortage. They make a welcome addition to the countryside around here.

Onward to Mapperley Village, past the reservoir - looking particularly grey this morning - and then up Shipley Hill. Looking back towards Mapperley, the greyness of the day was obvious.

Away in the distance, through the gloom, Ratcliffe Power Station was just visible as it churned out smoke and steam just over nine miles away.

Taking a photo of an old Ash tree on the way up the hill, one of my pictures turned out to be a happy accident. The picture was under exposed, giving the feeling of night-time. Although it was very dull, it wasn't quite that dark!

This was the view looking back down the drive which would once have seen horse-drawn carriages trotting up to Shipley Hall. No such grandeur this morning, just me, a cyclist and a couple of squirrels.

Time to head home for a hot coffee.