tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25906934122484680492024-03-13T05:43:47.034+00:00Random JottingsWelcome to my blog.
Don't expect anything too high-tech or flashy, this is simply a 'diary' to share some of my photos, thoughts and observations - with a particular bias towards the natural world and the countryside around my home.Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.comBlogger1934125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-51912312827851462252020-09-01T13:04:00.003+01:002020-09-01T13:04:43.708+01:00Time to move on...<p>You will have noticed that I have not posted anything new on here for some time now. Well, after almost 12 years of these blog entries, things have become a little stale and I seem to be repeating myself (which might be something to do with my age.) So, I think it's time to move on.</p><p>Don't despair however. I will continue taking photos, but from now on, any new pictures will be posted on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephen.greenacre.90" target="_blank">HERE</a>, or my Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephengreenacre/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Thanks for all the views over the years, but for now, bye-bye Blogger!</p>Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-44212798350942293562020-07-29T15:27:00.004+01:002020-07-29T15:32:19.611+01:00Summer Colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hedgerows and verges are filled with summer colour - despite the changeable weather. Along 'Donkey Walk', the dominant colours are yellow, from the Ragwort and Melilot and white, from the Hedge Parsley.</div>
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This morning, the Ragwort flowers were busy with Honey Bees and Hoverflies.<br />
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Another splash of yellow, came from several patches of Toadflax. Looking like small Snapdragons, their two-toned flowers are rather paler than the Ragwort, but still a joy.<br />
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Stretching up above the taller grasses, Creeping Thistle flowers add a very pale lavender colour to the verges and are also very popular with bees.<br />
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A stronger colour is provided by the Rosebay Willowherb. This large stand of them, is just one of several to be found on wasteland close to home.<br />
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On the dry meadows of Shipley Woodside, carpets of Birdsfoot Trefoil.<br />
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Their bright yellow flowers also hide some small patches of white, Wild Carrot and Yarrow flowers. These are kept small and stunted by the very poor soil of this area.<br />
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It's all very colourful - and more to come. Hopefully!</div>
Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-47363547523858653282020-07-15T11:27:00.001+01:002020-07-15T12:01:23.076+01:00Odds and EndsThe weather has turned a little 'changeable' to say the least, so I thought we'd have a few odds and ends from some of our walks over last few weeks. We start with a shot across the water of Mapperley Reservoir and the Yellow Water Lilies. At the end of last month, the flowers were just starting to open and the lily pads were providing cover for lots of fish fry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Along Slack Lane, we encountered this fabulous little Meadow Pipit on an overhead cable. Tricky to identify unless you see the very long claw on the hind toe, which separates it from a Tree Pipit.<br />
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Shipley Woodside was looking glorious in the sunshine a few days ago. The Bee Orchids have not shown themselves this year (unless we've missed them), but the Bird's Foot Trefoil were making up for it with a carpet of yellow flowers.<br />
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Closer to home and the Sparrows are busy filling themselves on the seed - when the Woodpigeon doesn't try to hog the lot!<br />
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At Head House Farm, the herd of White Park Cattle, has expanded, with the arrival of several calves...<br />
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and they're absolutely charming.<br />
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Wild Carrot flowers are opening and attracting lots of insects, especially these attractive Soldier Beetles.<br />
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By now, the Yellow Flag Irises have all but finished flowering, but they have been quite spectacular as always.</div>
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-8931710654114127632020-07-03T15:05:00.002+01:002020-07-03T15:05:08.043+01:00High Summer FlowersThe recent downturn in the weather, has meant that the local flora has put on a bit of a growth spurt, making the whole countryside, green and pleasant. Many of the wild flowers are in bloom too, from the lowly Birds-foot Trefoil...<br />
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to the Common Spotted Orchids. Sadly, these little beauties do not seem to be flowering in such abundance as usual this year. Perhaps the hot, dry spring didn't agree with them.<br />
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Thistles are starting to flower all over the place too, with Marsh Thistles being particularly well represented. Normally these have fabulous purple flowers...</div>
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But occasionally, they throw up in a white flowered version for good measure.</div>
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Amongst the wetter parts of the countryside, where the ground doesn't dry out too much, the Meadowsweet is filling the air with its own delightful fragrance.<br />
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And it's time for the Rosebay Willowherb to join in the summer fun too.<br />
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Tall stands of pink-flowered loveliness - who could want more?<br />
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It's all pretty spectacular.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-20192805065400347082020-06-22T15:44:00.000+01:002020-06-22T15:44:15.080+01:00InsectsThe sun was shining this morning, so we decided to brave the rather chilly breeze and take a slightly longer walk than of late - and we took the flask with us too! Setting out across Shipley Park, we encountered lots of insect life, some of which, Malcolm was not too pleased about. But to start with, there were several Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies on the Blackberry flowers near to Flat Meadow Farm.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite the stiff breeze doing its best ruin things, I managed to get a couple of decent shots.<br />
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Even caught a small Ladybird in the background as well.<br />
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Nearby, a clump of Nettles, was playing host to a colony of Peacock Butterfly Caterpillars.</div>
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Nettles are the primary food plant of these spiky little critters and hey provide a fairly safe environment for them to grow.<br />
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The large, flat umbels of Hogweed flowers are beginning to fill the sides of the paths and almost every one had its share of a great variety of insects. Among the most impressive of these was a large parasitic wasp known as Amblyteles armatorius.</div>
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The females deposit their eggs inside the bodies of unfortunate caterpillars of other insect species, but the adults feed exclusively on pollen and nectar - as this one was doing.<br />
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Finishing on a rather less macabre note, as we walked round Mapperley Reservoir, a bank of Meadow Cranesbill was looking spectacular as it swayed in the breeze.</div>
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Time to crack out the flask before setting off for home again. Just one more picture of these cranesbills.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-72775625087729737542020-06-16T13:05:00.000+01:002020-06-16T13:05:33.709+01:00Swanning AboutFollowing some heavy downpours over the last couple of days, yesterday's walk was a little damp and muddy under foot. So we decided to take a turn round Straw's Bridge. On the way, we passed the Manor Floods and as we stood looking across the water, a family of Mute Swans came steaming over to see if we had anything for them.<br />
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The six cygnets in this family were growing fast and have started losing their fluffy down and becoming more like mum and dad.<br />
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On the back lake of Straw's Bridge, another swan family have hatched five cygnets, which we first encountered a few days earlier.<br />
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These little charmers, are quite a bit younger and still had their downy, fluff-ball appearance<br />
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It was nice to see them all still happy and healthy yesterday, growing fast and with their parents keeping them well out of harm's way.<br />
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Of course, as soon as you point a camera at the swans, the local coots...<br />
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and mallards turn up to get in on the act. And why not?<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-51758599130512077282020-06-13T13:33:00.000+01:002020-06-13T13:33:13.053+01:00WarmerThe weather, having been hot a sunny for a few weeks, has been cold and wet for several days now. But with things warming up again today, we were once again out and about round Shipley Park this morning, primarily enjoying the wild flowers - like these Red Campion, which seem to be everywhere at the moment.<br />
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These were growing along the old Nutbrook Canal, making the most of things before the Blackberry bushes and Nettles take over and crowd them out.<br />
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Part of the Carnation or 'Pinks' family, they're quite charming and always reward a closer look.<br />
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Also growing along this path, we found a few Herb Robert flowers starting to open...<br />
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and several spikes of Hedge Woundwort.<br />
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This is a member of the same family as Mint and Deadnettles, as a closer inspection of the flowers will indicate.<br />
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There are lots of fallen trees along this stretch of the old canal and where the wood has started to decay, some fungi are beginning to show. One of particular note, was this fabulous Dryad's Saddle.<br />
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Almost hidden amongst the nettles, we nearly missed them, but they were well worth finding!<br />
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Heading back home again, we crossed the main Nutbrook Trail, avoiding other people as much as possible, but taking in the joys of Elder Flowers...<br />
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and even the grasses are worth taking a closer look!<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-76047587534121916452020-05-26T14:19:00.002+01:002020-05-26T14:19:42.426+01:00ButtercupAs we head towards the end of May, the fields are filled with Buttercups.<br />
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This morning's walk, took us through this field, enabling a closer look.<br />
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Through Mapperley and along the 'Donkey Walk', the meadows are also tinged with Buttercup yellow.<br />
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It's also time for the Ivy-leaved Toadflax to start showing its hand. This small clump was growing on the dam wall of Osborne's Pond a few days ago.<br />
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Among the grasses at the edges of the footpaths, Speedwells are producing lots of flower too. We used to know these as 'Birdseyes' when we were kids.<br />
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And of course, the Cow Parsley is still looking spectacular. Here, growing along Slack Lane beside more beautiful Buttercups.</div>
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-50730111288609913422020-05-18T16:07:00.001+01:002020-05-18T16:07:06.987+01:00Countryside colourOur walk this morning, took us along Slack Lane and around Mapperley Reservoir, something we hadn't done for some weeks. Along Slack Lane, the views across to Shipley Hill, were dominated by Buttercups.<br />
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This particular meadow is always filled with Buttercups at this time of year but a little sunshine always makes them look magnificent.<br />
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On to Mapperley Reservoir and we encountered a small family of Canada Geese - mum, dad and just one gosling.<br />
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Having just the one youngster, the parents were able to lavish all their attention on it as they picked their way through the emerging lily pads...<br />
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Never letting junior get too far away.<br />
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The pathways around the reservoir, were bordered with Red Campion.<br />
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Such a beautiful wild flower.<br />
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More Cow Parsley too, making a fantastic display of frothy white flowers.<br />
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Back at home, the Azalea in our back garden is looking almost unreal at the moment. I swear it would glow in the dark!<br />
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Quite lovely and magnificently over-the-top.<br />
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And to finish, a single Calendula flower, doing its best not to be outshone.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-75177800874520794422020-05-15T15:17:00.001+01:002020-05-15T15:17:20.020+01:00Off The Rails!Malcolm and I had to have separate walks this morning (parcel collection expected), so to avoid the crowds on the main footpaths, I went slightly 'off-piste'. The Hawthorns are looking spectacular right now.<br />
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Although the flowers are gorgeous, the scent from them, might be something of an acquired taste!<br />
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This morning, as the sun warmed the trees, their heady perfume was filling the air.<br />
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Part of my walk, took me along a little-used footpath which was once occupied by one of the hundreds of local mineral railway lines. Some of the rails and infrastructure, can still be found in the undergrowth. Here for example...<br />
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Back home, a quick look at an old O. S. map, reveals that this line was once part of the Stanton and Shipley Mineral Railway. The red arrow, marks the exact spot.<br />
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Close to this path, the meadow of Pewit Carr is looking green and lush at the moment, just waiting for the Orchids to appear.<br />
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Dotted around the area, there are a few fabulous Broom bushes in flower too. Absolutely stunning!<br />
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Looking at those old maps, it still amazes me that this whole area was such a scene of industrial bedlam with canals, railways, cuttings, sidings, Ironworks and mines all over the place - and not that long ago either!Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-31920055534258887182020-05-09T15:48:00.001+01:002020-05-09T15:48:23.374+01:00All WhiteOur daily walk took us across the fields and into Shipley Wood again. With the sun out and feeling very warm, we were treated to the sight and scent of drifts of white flowers. The Hawthorn of course, is spectacular...<br />
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These trees were growing beside a small pond at the edge of the wood. In the sides of which can be found many large, worked blocks of stone. Finding these a few weeks ago, indicated that we were probably on the site of a large building of some sort, now long gone.<br />
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Looking at some old maps, it turns out that there was indeed a series of buildings here, known as Parkfield Farm. Still included on a map of 1951, the stones are now the only sign it was ever here at all.<br />
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At the edge of these fields, great swathes of Cow Parsley are in full flower.<br />
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Into the woods and although the Bluebells are still hanging on, they are now past their best and the Cow Parsley is taking over here too.<br />
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Always worth a closer look at these beautiful flowers.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-20284206346970366242020-05-08T13:07:00.001+01:002020-05-08T13:07:30.461+01:00V E Day BlossomSome more fine weather over the last few days, has brought out another wave of tree blossom. The Blackthorn and Cherry trees have given way to Hawthorn...<br />
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with thousands of individual flowers contributing to a Spring spectacle.<br />
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Horse Chestnut trees are in full bloom right now also.<br />
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The classic 'candelabra' flower spikes are well worth taking a closer look at. From a distance, they can appear to be plain and white, but closer inspection reveals splashes of reds and yellows, enough to rival any other flower.<br />
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This particular specimen, was growing close to our path along the 'Donkey Walk' a couple of days ago and had some very convenient, low-hanging flowers.<br />
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Moving away from flowers for a moment, we were delighted to have a visitor to our garden a few days ago. This fabulous male Sparrowhawk turned up and stayed for several minutes on our fence.<br />
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Ever alert, he fixed his killer gaze on any small bird which dared to fly by. Bad news for most of the local bird life, but great for us, to see such a stunning bird in our back garden.<br />
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And it's V E Day today. 75 years since the end of the second World War and time to be thankful to those who gave so much, so that we have the opportunity to enjoy all of this countryside and wildlife. Time to remember those who went to fight - and didn't come back. Most of us will have stories of family members who gave everything. In my case, it was my paternal grandfather Tom Wear who was killed in action just a few weeks before the end of the war, on 23 February 1945, aged just 35.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-22933815955586762822020-05-03T13:17:00.002+01:002020-05-03T13:17:41.685+01:00New MonthStill in 'lockdown' for the time being, Malcolm and I have nevertheless, been able to get some nice walks, despite the weather turning a bit wetter and much cooler. The Bluebells are still looking fabulous in Shipley Woods.<br />
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When the sun shines on them, their Hyacinth-like fragrance is rather heady.<br />
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Yesterday, as we stood admiring them, an Orange-tip butterfly was busying himself amongst the flowers too.<br />
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Quite a little stunner!<br />
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Also in Shipley Woods, an old tree trunk was showing signs of fungal decay in a pretty spectacular way. The fungus in question being <i>Laetiporus sulphureus</i> or the Chicken-of-the-Woods, looking more like a large portion of scrambled egg!<br />
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This morning, as we did the 'farm walk', we passed a field with two large and very handsome Highland Bulls. One had his bum towards us, but the other at least was showing a good profile - and not one to be messed with!<br />
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Back home and it's time to re-fill the bird feeders again. As if the Sparrows were not emptying them fast enough, this little charmer has been helping himself too. No wonder the thing is always empty.<br />
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About six years ago, we were given an Amaryllis bulb for Christmas, from our good friend Jayne. Every year, it has flowered and increased in size and even produced several 'babies'. This year, it has surpassed itself, producing two flowering stems and NINE blooms in total. Even one of the 'babies' has produced a couple of flowers for the first time too. The gift which keeps on giving!<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-76924083742777754442020-04-26T14:45:00.002+01:002020-04-26T14:45:09.400+01:00Odds and EndsOut 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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Along branches and tree trunks, many different forms of moss and lichen, add their own decorative effect.<br />
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The old Nutbrook Canal has been quite picturesque too.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Far more easily seen, are the Peacock Butterflies which have come out of hibernation to add their colour to the landscape.<br />
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At Straw's Bridge, we were delighted to see this young Rabbit.<br />
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He seemed rather tame and didn't mind us at all as we took his photograph, preferring to nibble the grass before hopping off.<br />
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What a little charmer!Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-39340957229698095302020-04-25T13:28:00.001+01:002020-04-25T13:28:41.520+01:00Staying FineIt'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.<br />
While the Blackthorn blossom has been fantastic this year...<br />
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it is now well past it's peak. But we managed to get some nice shots while it lasted.<br />
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Now of course, the Bluebells have taken their place...<br />
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and the Apple blossom has been great also during the last few days.<br />
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Always worth a closer look.<br />
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Over at Straw's Bridge, the first ducklings have appeared...<br />
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in reasonable numbers!<br />
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Simply adorable little creatures, you could stand watching them for hours - if we were not under orders to keep moving!<br />
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More to come...Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-1633520601985859002020-04-23T14:32:00.000+01:002020-04-23T14:32:45.707+01:00Shipley WoodThis 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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More Bluebells...<br />
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and more Bluebells.<br />
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The scent of so many flowers was rather intoxicating, particularly where the sun crept through the trees and warmed them.<br />
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We will definitely be taking this path again.Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-74576584353956655942020-04-20T16:06:00.001+01:002020-04-20T16:06:13.366+01:00Blossom and Blue SkyStill 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...<br />
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and along what was once the old mineral railway lines of West Hallam Colliery, masses of Forget-Me-Nots are covering the ground.<br />
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They make a fabulous display and are popular with the butterflies too.<br />
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A few days ago, we were on Shipley Hill admiring this stunning Amelanchier...<br />
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and among the old car-parks of Shipley Woodside, the Cherry blossom and Gorse were particularly good too.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-40544938281501850492020-04-14T16:07:00.002+01:002020-04-14T16:07:27.938+01:00Bluebell TimeIt's that time of year again!<br />
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Our walk this morning, took us to Shipley Hill, to see if the Bluebells were in bloom and we were not disappointed.<br />
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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.<br />
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On the far side of the hill, this double-flowered Cherry tree was looking spectacular.<br />
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It required a closer look...<br />
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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.</div>
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Well, that's it for our allotted exercise today.Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-34200986703919215922020-04-09T15:04:00.002+01:002020-04-09T15:04:34.228+01:00Cherry BlossomWith 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.<br />
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Oh well, time to return home before we over-do our allotted exercise allowance for today.Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-15967625615685752972020-04-06T14:17:00.001+01:002020-04-06T14:17:19.570+01:00A moment of Calm<div style="text-align: center;">
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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.</div>
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-19968782799319449142020-04-03T14:17:00.000+01:002020-04-03T14:17:44.728+01:00Straw's BridgeWe'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.<br />
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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!</div>
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Further on, we passed the old Nutbrook canal as it flowed through the reeds. Ideal for those Cetti's Warblers!</div>
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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...</div>
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It's a painstaking task trying to get into all those nooks and crannies...<br />
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not forgetting the underside, just because no-one sees under there..!<br />
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Now, isn't that much better?</div>
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Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-7339629344902446342020-03-28T14:40:00.000+00:002020-03-28T14:40:21.163+00:00Cows, Slips and Elves!This morning's little bit of allowed exercise, took us along the 'Farm walk' and as usual, the herd of White Park cattle were there, munching nonchalantly on their hay...<br />
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Snoozing in the sunshine...<br />
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or standing up to their ankles in mud and goodness knows what else.<br />
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Away from the cows and up towards the farm buildings, we passed a fabulous clump of Daffodils. A mixture of varieties, giving a lovely splash of colour.<br />
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Just what we need right now!<br />
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Heading for home once more, we diverted through the Wildlife Trust's gardens and were greeted with the sight of these Cowslips.<br />
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Nearby, we crossed the stream and spotted, growing alongside the water, this bright red fungus. It turned out to be a Scarlet Elf Cup (<i>Sarcoscypha austriaca</i>). Another new tick for my life-list!<br />
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Time for home - now, wash your hands!Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-44959991979796842262020-03-25T16:10:00.001+00:002020-03-25T16:10:17.211+00:00Spring FlowersSticking rigidly to the rules about what we can and can't do at the moment, Malcolm and I have shifted our usual morning walk, to the afternoon to try to avoid the morning bustle of dog-walkers and others. As per Government advice, we're allowed out for some exercise, only once a day for the time being and as the weather has been absolutely wonderful, we've made the most of it.<br />
Yesterday, we headed along Slack Lane to Mapperley Village and then up Shipley Hill. The early spring flowers there, were wonderful. Of particular note, were these beautiful Wood Anemones.<br />
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Just the one patch of them, but no less wonderful for that.<br />
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Elsewhere along our walk, things were still not showing much sign of new growth...<br />
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but the Gorse along Slack Lane was in full bloom...<br />
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and the Hawthorn bushes are beginning to show lots of fresh green shoots.<br />
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This afternoon, we set out in the sunshine again for Mapperley, but this time, taking in the reservoir.<br />
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It's all quite spooky at the moment with so few people about (away from the main paths) and with no planes in the sky and no background roar and noise from the nearby roads, all was absolutely quiet still. Until the geese started honking! Here too the spring flowers were beginning to look lovely. This little clump of Coltsfoot were gorgeous against the blue of the water.<br />
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Hopefully, we'll still be allowed to get out and about in the days and weeks to come. We'll just have to wait and see. But for now, keep your distance and wash your hands!Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-35518329256283077502020-03-21T12:47:00.000+00:002020-03-21T12:47:18.035+00:00Staying CheerfulIn these uncertain times, it's important to keep things as normal as possible and to stay positive and cheerful. There can be no better way of doing that, than to take a good walk in the countryside and enjoy the wonders of nature.<br />
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The hedgerows are full of Blackthorn blossom...<br />
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which add highlights to the wider view.<br />
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Cherry trees are beginning to brighten things up in their own way...<br />
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in the pink!</div>
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Of course, there are lots of Daffodils right now...<br />
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These, were looking particularly good yesterday, as we strolled around Shipley Hill.<br />
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So, chin up and soldier on. Stick to the social distancing and now....<br />
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WASH YOUR HANDS!</div>
Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2590693412248468049.post-23040013387087750112020-03-17T13:29:00.000+00:002020-03-17T13:29:40.969+00:00WindOur last full day in Tenby, was notable for the high winds. By this time, we had lost the grey skies and rain and the sun had begun to shine on us again. So, we took the opportunity to have a longer walk along South Beach and on to Giltar Point.<br />
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The wind whipped up any loose sand, and deposited it in our hair, eyes, nostrils and clothing as we struggled along, but it was nothing compared to the gale which blew across the headland.<br />
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It was impossible to reach the very tip of the rocky headland as it would have been too dangerous. So, we had to make do with these views of it with Caldey Island behind.<br />
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The wind was tearing spray from the wave tops, even in the relative shelter of the bay.<br />
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In the lea of the wind, lots of Primroses were in bloom, reminding us that it is still Springtime.<br />
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Time to head back to town. With the wind now behind us, the job was made much easier.<br />
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Just time for a panorama shot.<br />
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Back to Castle Hill and more reminders of Spring as we made the most of our last day in Tenby.<br />
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We will certainly be back in the future.Stephen's Viewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10143763051934263406noreply@blogger.com0