Return to Herefordshire

 

We returned to the static caravan at Herefordshire yesterday but only for the day. Before we stopped longer we wanted to check that none of the water pipes were leaking after B accidentally blew too high an air pressure down the pipes last November during the drain down procedure!

We had lunch first and then B had to put the shower back together something else you have to do for the drain down before finally he turned the water back on. Thankfully and touch wood there was no sign of any leaks!  I was exceedingly relieved!

I can't tell you how good it was to be back in Herefordshire as I have so missed going.

The Herefordshire Oak  

The Octopus Tree

The Constable Tree

The garden and borders there were looking lovely with daffodils, hyacinths, periwinkles and primroses all flowering.

Green Alkanet

Snakeshead Fritillary - how I wish I could remember where we bought this plant.

Looking down towards the pool at the rear of the caravan

Timothy glad to be back :)

D and I had a look around the vicinity of the caravan looking for new wild plant species to add to our 2026 Wild Plant Challenge I mentioned in the last post.

We found Garlic Mustard about to flower and the leaves of Wild Arum.

A few of the photos D took.

D was convinced this was a hornet (we did have a hornet's nest last year in the hawthorn hedge) but I am sure it was a wasp - the first I have seen this year.  I am not overkeen on wasps but they are important pollinators and pest controllers.

*D

Snakeshead Fritillary and Primrose

*D

*D

There is quite a lot of mistletoe growing on trees around the site (see photo below)  and D took some mistletoe berries he had saved from Christmas and "planted" some of the seeds in the apple tree in the garden.

*D

Hopefully we will return to Herefordshire soon and stay for longer.

I hope everyone has a lovely Easter.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera or by my son with the Canon SX50HS 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 2023 (5) - Part 1: Hatfield trees and a Walk Around the Pool

 

We've been back to Herefordshire for 3 nights mainly because B was worried about the garden and pots and also so he could carry on cleaning the exterior of the caravan while the weather is so good.  We arrived on Sunday 28th May and did the usual click and collect at Morrisons, Leominster. The site was busier than usual being a bank holiday weekend.

The Herefordshire Oak

The "Octopus Tree" -you can't see the witch and her hat any more.

The tree by the copse which I've nicknamed the "Constable Tree" as it reminds me of trees in John Constable paintings.

Herbs are doing well - apologies for the upside down beer bottle! We fill them with water to keep the pots moist when we are not there - it seems to work.  

On the way home from the last trip we stopped off at Bringsty Vintage Shop looking for a half barrel pot - they hadn't got any but I did buy a few rustic labels for herbs. They weren't cheap!

Mayfly on the caravan.

We went for a walk by the pool early evening and there were loads of Mayflies down there plus a pair of Canada Geese with Goslings.

It looks as though a Tawny Mining bee has been busy :)

One of the fields you can walk around - this one has a small wild flower area.

D didn't come with us this time as OU exams are looming!

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix. I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one I would be grateful for an email first - thanks.

A Local Walk and Flowers from the Garden

 

Last weekend D and I went a local walk along public footpaths at Southfields Farm Coleshill.  We visited the farm for an open day a few years ago and it was a very wildlife friendly farm.

By the farm buildings there was what looked like a "community farm"? and there are also several fields with horses.

We followed a different footpath to last time so sadly missed the wildflower meadow.

Lots of lovely grasses - I really must learn to identify some.

There is a circular walk you can do - I checked the route when we got home and it is about five miles - a walk to consider when we have more time.

Next four photos taken by D.

This is a new insect trapper and it really is very good. You open the soft base and place it over the insect and slowly close the base.  We caught a Swollen-thighed beetle and what I think may be a species of Capsid bug. 

It was encouraging to see more bees and butterflies about. Butterfly species included several Small Tortoiseshell and Meadow Brown.

Flowers in the Garden

I have forgotten what this flower is though I suspect someone has told me in the past.  One forms a creeping mat and the other is a large shrub. I am assuming they are the same species. But oddly there is another similar one in the herbaceous border which I forgot to take a picture of.

Another mystery plant bought years ago!

St John's Wort in the wild flower mini meadow and scabious is flowering now too.

Bistort

I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

We are in Herefordshire at the moment. To be honest it has been too hot to do much but I will do a few posts next week.

Photos by D with the Canon Sx50HS

Those by me taken with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330.