A Walk Along the Grand Union Canal

 

D and I haven't been on a canal walk for ages and, as it is something we love doing, earlier this week we visited the Grand Union Canal near Knowle.  We haven't done this particular canal walk before.

There were ripe berries everywhere along the hedgerow at the side of the tow path - blackberries, haws, sloes and rose hips.

Ivy was covered in flowers.  We saw pollinators galore and the one species I was particularly thrilled to see

was Ivy Bee.  This is a new species for me and there were dozens of them on the flowers.

The Ivy Bee is a relatively new arrival in the UK having first been seen in 2001 and it is gradually spreading North.  It feeds mainly on ivy nectar and can be seen at this time of year ie September to November.

There were a lot canal boats moored along the canal.

Good to see a solar panel on this boat :)

Heronfield Small Breeds farm and animal sanctuary is next to the canal and D got this photo of a Shetland Pony.

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Damselfly

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Speckled Wood

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Dragonfly

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We walked for an hour or more and then had lunch at the King's Arms which is conveniently situated next to the canal.

We both had the same an open sandwich of avocado and goat's cheese with fries.  The sandwich on toasted bread also included pesto, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes. It was delicious.

It was so good to get out for a walk in the country. I am hoping we can return to the caravan soon.

I won't say too much about events at the caravan park but a planning application has been submitted to place 21 new caravans on the field opposite our caravan which means we will lose the lovely view we currently have from the lounge window.  There are many things that concern us about the proposed development but as this is a public blog I won't say any more apart from the fact that I am not happy!!!

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 camera and those marked *D taken by my son with the Canon SX50HS.  (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's I would be grateful for an email first - thanks.

Mid September Visit to Herefordshire

 

Last weekend we made a brief visit to Herefordshire just for 3 nights. The journey there was a bit of a nightmare as the M42 by Redditch was closed between two junctions due to an accident so we had to make a huge detour to travel across country! The journey ended up taking 3 hours rather than the usual 90 minutes!

There is not much change in the Herefordshire Trees although I think the leaves on the Octopus Tree may be starting to change colour very slightly?

Herefordshire Oak

Octopus Tree

Constable Tree(s)

The pink geranium is still flowering really well. I must remember to bring it home with us when we winterise the caravan.

There are about ten tomatoes on D's tomato plant.

D and I are beginning to think the chilli plant was mislabelled and it is actually a green pepper plant!

Teasel in the garden. Despite B's efforts to eradicate them they managed to self seed.  I am quite pleased as when they are in flower they attract pollinators and the seedheads are good for goldfinches in the winter.

The Hawthorn hedge is full of berries.

Apart from going to Tesco Tenbury Wells on the Saturday to do a food shop yet again we didn't go anywhere. I am still hoping D will come with us on one of our visits. E did plan to come with us last weekend but in the end she stayed at home as her friend who now lives in Blackpool was returning for the weekend and she wanted to see her.

There is not much other news. I am still not sleeping very well and continue to try and fend off cellulitis. It really is becoming rather wearing!

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera.  (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's I would appreciate an email first - thanks).