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.
