A Cotswold Year - Charting the seasons in the South Cotswolds


Sunday 31 March 2013

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all our followers

Monday 25 March 2013

Spring Lambs

It may be still freezing but there are spring lambs out in the fields

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.

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.

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.