A Morning Walk in late Winter

I try to get out every day I can and spend  half an hour's quiet time enjoying the natural world. I thought you  might like to join me on my morning walk,  as the sun's out,  although it's still very windy.
We begin a few minutes away from my home at the Community Farm, which is open to the public. It's very popular with young families. The footpath takes me around the outside.

  The small herd of sheep enjoying a peaceful graze with  no rain  - for a change.

 The path leads down a short lane to a  battered old gate. Beyond the gate is the marsh land adjacent to the M5 and M4 motorways. It's on the flood plain of the River Severn, but thankfully we are a long way from any flooding. The marsh and reed beds used to be  reclaimed pasture, but  are now taken over by nature.

Passing through the gate,  I heard a great commotion. A huge flock of gulls suddenly took off and were wheeling and calling over my head! I've no idea what was going on.

It's much to wet to stray off the track at the moment so I followed the muddy path, and surprised a rabbit - well, we surprised each other! No chance of a photo, so this is 'one I  made earlier':)

The footpath joins a disused tarmacked lane.

Walking along the lane you can see lots of old apple trees, now left to nature. These are the remains of the old farm orchards. They still bear fruit and  look lovely in the Spring with their gorgeous blossom.

 I've noticed a huge amount of wild rose hips this year, still looking unusually fresh for this time of year. 

 

This old pond is full of water after our wet winter. It's still a bit early for frogspawn,  but I'm always hopeful! The marsh is a great place for amphibians and dragonflies later in the year.

 I  love the architectural beauty of dried seed heads, and the marsh land is full of them. These looked fantastic against the windy sky.

 'Pussy Willow wakened, from her winter nap'. It always gives me a buzz to see this lady in her elegant furry hood.

Drainage canals crisscross the marsh land. Their local name is 'Rhynes 'pronounced  "reen";(from the Welsh rhewyn or rhewin "ditch"). The Rhynes were created to turn areas of marsh and wetland at sea level into pasture for grazing cattle. Now they provide habitats for lots of  wild creatures including this handsome bird, the grey heron, who I often see fishing on this bank above, just behind our home.

And we're back. Taking time out to look at the wonders of the natural world lifts my spirits and rejuvenates me. We never have to look far for inspiration, it's all around us.

Thanks for coming with me - it was great to have your company.x