Odds and Ends

Out and about for our daily exercise allowance once more this morning, we did well to keep our distance from everyone else. It was much busier than usual, so we didn't tarry anywhere for photographs. Instead, here are a few odds and ends from our recent walks, starting with the Bluebells of course.

These were growing in the small wood known as Dog Kennel Coppice and from amongst the trees here we looked down upon one of the many small, brick and stone bridges which would once have carried horses and coaches, over the numerous rills, streams and canals, on their way up to Shipley Hall.

Blue flowers of a different kind were to be found growing around the lakes of Straw's Bridge a few days ago. These belong to a large patch of Ground Ivy, proving that there is no such thing as a 'weed', just a flower in the wrong place!

Along branches and tree trunks, many different forms of moss and lichen, add their own decorative effect.

The old Nutbrook Canal has been quite picturesque too.

Difficult to imagine it as it once was, carrying boat-loads of coal, stone and various ores from the local mines and quarries around here.

The good weather has meant that we've seen a lot more butterflies than is usual at this time of year. This male Orange Tip was doing his best to be inconspicuous. The bright orange markings of his upper wing surface, folded away revealing the green marks on his underwings.

Far more easily seen, are the Peacock Butterflies which have come out of hibernation to add their colour to the landscape.

At Straw's Bridge, we were delighted to see this young Rabbit.

He seemed rather tame and didn't mind us at all as we took his photograph, preferring to nibble the grass before hopping off.

What a little charmer!

Staying Fine

It's fortunate that we have been having some lovely weather over the last few weeks. The 'lockdown' would have been much more of a chore, had we not been able to get out in the sunshine. The dry weather has also meant that we have been able to 'off piste' and so avoid too many people on the main paths.
While the Blackthorn blossom has been fantastic this year...

it is now well past it's peak. But we managed to get some nice shots while it lasted.

Now of course, the Bluebells have taken their place...

and the Apple blossom has been great also during the last few days.

Always worth a closer look.

Over at Straw's Bridge, the first ducklings have appeared...

in reasonable numbers!

Simply adorable little creatures, you could stand watching them for hours - if we were not under orders to keep moving!

More to come...

Shipley Wood

This morning, our daily exercise allowance took us across the fields towards Shipley Wood. The idea, was to avoid as many people as possible, so we kept off the main footpaths and headed 'off piste'. As we got to the woods, the decision proved to be a good one.

The woods occupy land either side of what was once the drive up to Shipley Hall from the lodge house on Heanor Road. These days, the Bluebells have taken over.

More Bluebells...

and more Bluebells.

The scent of so many flowers was rather intoxicating, particularly where the sun crept through the trees and warmed them.

We will definitely be taking this path again.

Blossom and Blue Sky

Still in 'lock-down', but managing to get out and about for our allowed exercise each day, Malcolm and I thought we'd do the 'Donkey Walk' today. Near the farm, the Bluebells are looking beautiful...

and along what was once the old mineral railway lines of West Hallam Colliery, masses of Forget-Me-Nots are covering the ground.

They make a fabulous display and are popular with the butterflies too.

A few days ago, we were on Shipley Hill admiring this stunning Amelanchier...

and among the old car-parks of Shipley Woodside, the Cherry blossom and Gorse were particularly good too.

Back to today and as we headed home, we passed this Apple Tree. Unusually clothed in deepest of pink blossoms and with ruby red leaves too, it was a beauty.

Who planted it, or even if it is the result of a discarded apple core (or scrunt if like Malcolm, you happen to have Cumbrian ancestry), we don't know. But it's worth a closer look all the same.

Bluebell Time

It's that time of year again!

Our walk this morning, took us to Shipley Hill, to see if the Bluebells were in bloom and we were not disappointed.

Despite the rather chilly breeze, the sun was shining and the warmth was releasing the glorious scent of these beauties - especially where they were blooming in great numbers. They all seem to be about a fortnight earlier this year.

On the far side of the hill, this double-flowered Cherry tree was looking spectacular.

It required a closer look...

Returning home, we walked through Mapperley Wood and were rewarded with the sight of this pair of Mandarin Ducks, sitting on a branch across the old canal. Let's hope they find a tree with a big hole in which they can nest.

Well, that's it for our allotted exercise today.

Cherry Blossom

With all this warm, sunny weather, the hedgerows are really beginning to burst into bloom. The Blackthorn has passed its best now, but the cherry blossom is replacing it with abandon.

This particular specimen is to be found not far from home, along the Nutbrook Trail. It gives good value every year, but is sometimes ravaged by bad weather. This year however, it is not to be beaten.

More Cherries are to be found along the 'Donkey Walk' on the way to Mapperley Village. Of course, they always look better against a bright blue sky.

Difficult to imagine as you stand on this spot, listening to the birds singing and the breeze through the cherry trees, that this was the sight of the West Hallam Colliery, less than 100 years ago.

Along Slack Lane, the Gorse bushes are looking splendid too and with the sun warming their flowers, they are beginning to release some of their coconut fragrance.

Oh well, time to return home before we over-do our allotted exercise allowance for today.

A moment of Calm

Feeling the need to take a moment for some peace and quiet this morning, we stopped for a short while to take in the sights and sounds of Mapperley Wood and the old Nutbrook Canal.

Straw's Bridge

We're still managing to get out an about for our daily exercise allowance and despite the dull weather this morning, we had a pleasant enough walk to Straw's Bridge. Our first port of call, was the lake at Manor Floods.

As we stood here, enjoying the scene, we could hear the unmistakable sound of a Cetti's Warbler, away in the distance and as we got to the other side of the lake, we managed to spot him in among the reeds. No picture unfortunately, as he just wouldn't stay still long enough!

Further on, we passed the old Nutbrook canal as it flowed through the reeds. Ideal for those Cetti's Warblers!

Then on to 'Swan Lake' which was living up to its name this morning, with 28 Mute Swans in total. One group of swans were busy preening at the side of the water...

 It's a painstaking task trying to get into all those nooks and crannies...

 not forgetting the underside, just because no-one sees under there..!

Now, isn't that much better?