A Walk in Historic Parkland

 

Earlier this week once I had finished taking the penicillin tablets D and I took advantage of the lovely weather to go for a short walk around Castle Bromwich Historic Parklands which is a local Nature Reserve.

Historically, the parkland was part of the Earl of Bradford's estate and is part of the Castle Bromwich Conservation area.

The last resident of the Bradford family at Castle Bromwich Hall was Lady Ida Bradford (1848-1936) who was the widow of George Bridgeman, 4th Earl of Bradford.

The parkland is known locally as Lady Bradford's and a few years ago restoration work was carried out to improve paths and access to the reserve.

Blossom was flowering throughout the area.

We didn't see many birds apart from Wood Pigeons, Jackdaw and this Mistle Thrush but there were lots of butterflies about including Orange Tip and my first Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell of the year.

Horse Chestnut leaves and "candles" are appearing.

We didn't go into the wet woodland area as I didn't want to risk walking too far but it is a lovely area to walk.  When we have visited before we have said we should try and visit monthly so that we can see the changes as the seasons progress. 

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 be grateful for an email first - thanks).

Herefordshire - Part 3: Hatfield and a Local Walk

 

There hasn't been much change in the trees at Hatfield although I do detect possibly signs of a few leaves starting to appear on the ash.

Octopus Tree

Constable tree (to the right)

The Herefordshire Oak

The pink primula is STILL flowering!

View of the copse from the dining room table window

One evening we saw a rainbow and we took the bat detector outside several times and bats have awakened from hibernation during the warm spell.

View over the valley from the rear of the caravan - there is a pool down there and also a lovely wild flower meadow.

On the Friday we went for a walk along a local lane near the church.  Although the weather looked warm and sunny there was a very cold wind.

Primroses, Red Dead Nettle and Dog's Mercury in the hedgerow.

Wild Arum leaves

We walked as far as the disused railway line before turning back.

Primroses on the railway embankment.

Oontitoomps!

I spotted this badger drawing or sticker on a parked car.

We came home the following day - Saturday.  

Since returning home I've had yet another bout of cellulitis :(  Thankfully, I've finished yet another week on penicillin and, touch wood, it seems to have cleared up for now!

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 be grateful for an email first - thanks).

Herefordshire - Part 2: Bodenham Lake NR

 

Thursday was a lovely mild sunny day so we decided to visit Bodenham Lakes Nature Reserve which is a Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park.

Bodenham Lakes habitats include meadows, one of the largest lakes in the County, wet woodland and orchards.  In the 1980's when quarrying ceased the pits were linked to form one large lake of about 50 acres.  The lake is designated a Site of Local Importance, and where the reserve borders the River Lugg it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation.  170 species of bird have been recorded and otters are regularly seen.  It is also a good site for butterflies and dragon and damselflies.  

In 2018 Herefordshire Wildlife Trust started to naturalise the steep sides of the lake and created shallows and reedbeds. In 2019 three islands in the lake were improved for birds such as Little Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. An osprey platform was also installed.

A large area of the lake is closed to the public to protect wildlife and seeing the many dogs there (some off the lead and running into the water!!) I think it is just as well.

Pussy Willow

Cherry Plum as the sepals were reflexed (bent backwards) as opposed to being around the flower as in Blackthorn.

Oontitoomps!

We spent an hour in the hide just enjoying watching the birds.

Species seen included Canada and Greylag Geese, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebes (in courtship display), Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mandarin, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Teal and Little Egret.

We walked back via the two orchards which have been cultivated since around 1700. They contain cider and dessert apples, some perry pear, cherry, greengage and walnut trees. More trees have been planted in recent years.

More oontitoomps!

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 I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).

Reference: Herefordshire Wildlife Trust's Guide to Its Reserves.