Recent Reading
I haven't read a Barbara Erksine book for some years - I've had this one a while - bought from the supermarket on special offer. I really did enjoy this book although it did seem a bit long. I think I have got out of the habit of reading longer books.
I saw this book on Rosie's (Corners of my Mind) blog and I always enjoy the books she has in her reading lists. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I read it in about 2 days!
I forgot to take a photo but also read has been "The Lantern Men" by Elly Griffiths - the latest Ruth Galloway book which had finally come down in price. Another book I couldn't put down! Also finished in 2 days!
I always enjoy Professor Dave Goulson's books and this was no exception. A super book with many hard hitting points about the use of pesticides, herbicides, insectides etc and wildlife losses but also lots of ideas on how to improve your garden for wildlife plus a few recipes. I tried his Apple and Honey Sussex Pudding and it was very good. Thanks to Amanda from The Quiet Walker for recommending.
I am still enjoying the Wesley Peters books. In fact, I think they improve the more you read.
Garden
Some of you will remember me planting Wall Pennywort seeds as I so wanted to have some in my garden. I have come to the conclusion that whatever the seeds were they were not Wall Pennywort - see photo below. In fact, although I planted a few out initially, I haven't yet bothered with these. I have no idea what they are - possibly a type of brassica? "Cabbage Whites" have been laying eggs on them all summer. I am tempted to email the wild flower company and ask them what they think!
Echinops
Moulting robin
I love these flowers - rudbeckia possibly?
Heather flowering in the rockery
Speckled Wood
Recent Walk
Yesterday D and I went on a new walk. We didn't have much time so it had to be local. In the end I drove out and parked by Lea Marston church and we followed a public footpath there that follows the River Tame. Eventually the path passes Ladywalk NR and ends up in their car park. We have often walked it from that direction.
Wild Carrot
There was a little information board near the start of the walk that said you are standing near the old walled garden, home of the Adderley family for 300 years until 1916. Sadly, it was demolished in 1921 so that one of the largest electricity generating sites could be built. This area is now Hams Hall Distribution Park and the footpath skirted the edge of this park on one side.
This I think is the old walled garden behind the gates. It is now home to the
Hams Hall Environmental Centre
We reached the River Tame
Mallard
Mute Swan
Graffiti on a deserted building. Actually this part of the walk was a bit spooky - it was almost like wandering on a site that had been hit by a disaster and abandoned. If I am honest I wasn't hundred per cent happy on the whole walk - the place was deserted which is nice in a way as I like places to be quiet but for some reason it just felt rather unnerving. Some places do seem to have a strange "atmosphere" about them.
Crab apples
Ragwort
Blackberries - we didn't pick any yesterday as B and D has been out foraging on Saturday and brought a big bag home.
Elderberries
Back by the car - St John the Baptist, Lea Marston - I sometimes visit this churchyard in summer to look for wildflowers and butterflies but again it is a place where I can feel a little uneasy especially if I am on my own. The church is at the very end of a "dead end" road that leads from Lea Marston Village so that maybe the reason why if feels so isolated.
This wood now belongs to Hams Hall Environmental Centre (my son went orienteering here when he was at primary school) but it used to belong to West Midland Bird Club and was part of Ladywalk NR. I remember visiting with my parents one cold and frosty winter day many years ago and we spotted a kingfisher on a pond in the wood.
St Peter and St Paul, Water Orton
*D Photos taken by my son with the Canon SX50HS bridge camera
Rest of photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera
