Just a 20 minute walk from home is Castle Hill LNR. Castle Hill has been designated as an Ancient Monument and is thought to be the site of a medieval moated farmstead dating from the 13th century known as Brettgrave. The area is now dominated by mature deciduous woodland but over the past few years active management by coppicing is helping to keep the under-story open thereby encouraging more wildlife.
At this time of year, apart from the typical woodland bird life, the main attraction is the swathes of our native Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) competing with a green carpet of Cleavers (Bedstraw) beneath an open canopy that is very slowly greening up.
A Song Thrush perches high overhead taking a rest from proclaiming its territory with its characteristic repetitive song.
The reserve boundary is dominated by an old iron fence that in many places is showing the test of time!
Other 'regulars' during my early morning stroll were Robin (above) and the tiny [Winter] Wren (below) with the big voice.
And finally a collage showing a few of the wild flowers that have appeared during the past couple of weeks including the invasive Three-cornered Garlic growing amongst the Bluebells, Red Dead-nettle, Greater Stitchwort, Green Alkanet and Bedstraw.
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It is lovely for you that this place is only 20 miues walk from your home. Love the Bluebells and that was a great capture of the Wren, sometimes a bit tricky to photograph.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful. love the old rusted iron and sweet robin fence percher. :) thanks, frank!
ReplyDeleteHello, the preserve looks like a beautiful place for birding. I like the Thrush, Wren and the cute Robin! Great post and photos. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Frank! Love that Song Thrush, and I like the iron fence!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit. I would love to visit here and take photos. Carol
ReplyDeleteThank you. These are great photos. The fences. But above all the beautiful scenery and the nice robin. Same sort of as in the Netherlands. Happy Thursday!
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That gate is beautiful, I love it things like this turn out to be such photographic treats
ReplyDeleteLovely spot in nature. Love the rusty fence.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
It is hard to beat the work of nature.
ReplyDeleteLots of pretty photos here. Nice gate & fence shots. Iron looks cool when it starts to rust. Pretty flowers and sweet birds.
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