Friday 23 July 2010

A Country Walk

You may remember that I gave a talk to my U3A Natural History group on a local beauty spot called Sharpenhoe Clappers. On Thursday the group arranged to take a walk round the hill. We were very lucky as the forecast was for rain, but the sun shone for us. 
Here is the group setting out across the meadows.

The beech wood is just over the brow of the hill.

The meadow is full of wild flowers, bees, butterflies and grasshoppers. 

Wild carrot

Hare bells

A Chalkhill Blue butterfly

We walk through the wood and out onto the edge of the ridge. I love the views from here.

The path along the edge is single file, but there are still things to spot.

Wild Basil

Stemless Thistle (ouch)
and

a nameless pink vetch.
Thanks to Victoria who is brilliant at identifying wild flowers.

The weather stayed fine and the sky was as beautiful as the landscape. I haven't walked up here for ages, it is only a few minutes from home and a brilliant spot for blowing away the cobwebs and restoring the spirits.

11 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Glad you were able to get out for a while and blow away the cobwebs. It looks like a great place to walk and those harebells took me back - I haven't seen any for years and years! Lovely pictures Jill.

Jane

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Jill,
What a wonderful landscape you live in. It's pretty alien to the one I see down here in Wales. The wildflower photos are beautiful. I love them, especially the pink vetch. What a gorgeous soft colour. I think I would have enjoyed this walk myself but it was just as lovely seen through your eyes. Thank you. Lesley X

menopausalmusing said...

Gill, what a wonderful post. Loved seeing the flowers and the butterfly. The harebells have such a fragile beauty..........

Sandra Hall said...

A truly wonderful post. Your photographs with all the wild flowers made me wish I could have been with you.

WrightStuff said...

I was very impressed by your flower spotting! When I was a child, I learnt so many wild flowers, but my mind is getting addled as I grow older, so thanks for the reminder!

Jane said...

Lovely wildflowers and great views - we're only minutes away from our wonderful hills, but we also have long gaps when we don't walk them.

MILLY said...

The walk looks lovely, you do live in a beautiful area. I have so enjoyed catching up with all your projects, you are very creative. I love your moth photographs, I would have been so excited to have found any of them.
Also thank you for your lovely comments. milly

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Jill, I have thoroughly enjoyed this walk! Love the photos. We have abundant wild carrot in this area and it's so pretty, starting off with flat, rich, dark red umbels that develop into creamy, lacy globes. Bfn, Lesley

Lalabibaby @ Dreaming of The Simple Life said...

It is such a lovely spot ... glad you have reminded me and must put it on my list of outings for the children this holiday. My favourite view is from Whipsnade Hill across to the church on the mound in Edlesborough .... on a clear sunny day it never fails to take breath away. I'm so pleased you managed to get out and blow the cobwebs away.

JP said...

great photos

Rita said...

What a lovely place to take a hike! Enjoyed the wildflowers and the beautiful landscape pictures. Indeed--a spot to find solace. :)