bracken – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

August 17th – Between Darlaston and Pleck on the Walsall Canal, near James Bridge, the old turnover bridge for the defunct Anson Branch. It’s just as well the line is truncated now, as that huge pipe renders the turnover aspect of the crossing pointless.

It’s fascinating to see the bracken, buddleia and other weeds gradually dismantling the blue bricks. Gentle, oh so gentle hydraulic pressure gradually and steadily cleaving mortar from brick, using any crack or fissure where a scrap of nourishment can be found.

Nature is remarkable in it’s determination.

August 8th – Up on Cannock Chase late afternoon, my love affair with this place continues. The heather is splendid at the moment, as is the thick brush of verdant bracken. The forest tracks around Wolseley Plain and Foxhunter’s Valley were as superb as ever.
After a hectic period at work and some ill health, this is just the tonic I needed.