Sunday, 31 March 2013
Monday, 25 March 2013
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Another cold weekend
We had a sprinkling of snow on the hills yesterday as here at Coaley Peak picnic site. It was our turn to organize the walk for our local Ramblers group yesterday, fourteen hardy folks turned up and we had a good bracing six mile walk down the Woodchester Park valley,
and back up for course! The walk was shorter than we originally planned but everyone had a warm glow by the time we returned and felt better for it.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Spring?
We have passed the spring equinox so days are longer than the nights and spring is officially here!
We do not seem to have spring weather yet and there was a cold wind and heavy rain or perhaps snow forecast but the daffodils are out so it must be springtime.
We do not seem to have spring weather yet and there was a cold wind and heavy rain or perhaps snow forecast but the daffodils are out so it must be springtime.
Monday, 18 March 2013
Coots Pairing Up
Resident coots have mixed with migrants from Europe over the winter but now they are pairing up and establishing their breeding territories.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Spring but still frosty!
Spring sunshine is stimulating green plants to push through on the woodland floor but ice still lines the edge of this stream.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Racecourse hosts Spring's main horse jump racing event and today being Ladies Day I went along. There were lots of wonderful outfits, hats and high heels. The horses were also well turned out of course and provided us with some marvellous entertainment. The weather was perfect with winter sunshine enhancing the event. Cheltenham is an amazing venue set surrounded by the Cotswold hills, here you can see Cleeve Hill behind the runners.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Sunshine and Snow Showers
Our fickle English Weather! Just as you think Spring is here it snows but we had a lovely sunset to end the day.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Primrose
The delicate yellow of the native primrose is steadily appearing on banks and by hedgerows but is looking a bit damp and bedraggled in the current foggy and drizzly conditions.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Gloucester Old Spot
We met this rather aggressive Old Spot sow on a walk recently, fortunately the other side of the fence.
As we approached her quietly feeding her litter of piglets she hurriedly sent them into the undergrowth whilst noisily warning us not to approach!
It is good to know this previously rare breed is now gaining popularity and to see them living naturally in the open air.
As we approached her quietly feeding her litter of piglets she hurriedly sent them into the undergrowth whilst noisily warning us not to approach!
It is good to know this previously rare breed is now gaining popularity and to see them living naturally in the open air.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Coaley Peak Grass Control
The grass of Coaley Peak needs to be trimmed to maintain the limestone grassland habitat and flora so the National Trust are using these cattle to do the job. At one time the hillside would have been burnt to prevent the land changing to scrub but these cattle are the safer and more ecologically friendly solution. Traditional docile breeds such as Welsh Black and Belted Galloway are used so as to allow safe public access.
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