February 8th – Up at Chasewater, a more adventurous journey on a grey, windy day rewarded me handsomely: The snowdrop glade at the back of the dam, just behind the dam houses is gorgeous and vibrant for another year.
I always like to see this and it was a real treat on a day that had been quite grim so far.
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November 5th – On the way to work I hit the canal between Brownhills and the Black Cock Bridge, and through the copse alongside the towpath, I could see a group of female red deer in the field between me and Clayhanger.
Sadly, there were just too many trees in the way and the deer were remarkably nervous today, so my attempts to focus on them beyond the trees were thwarted.
I must get faster at that. Far too ham fisted at the moment.
Also fascinated by the zoom compression of the houses in the background, which aren’t anywhere near as close as that in real life.
Nice to see the ladies about though…
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May 5th – Up at Whittington Hurst, a lovely secluded bluebell wood by the roadside I’ve never noticed before.
I left the house seeking peace and healing. And in this wood in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by delicate, English bluebells, I found it.
Here’s to recovery, and a better day.
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April 17th – An absolutely gorgeous day and the first jacketless commute of the year didn’t come a day too soon.
Sadly I was indoors all day, but riding home in the still warm golden hour, I caught the sun throug the canalside trees near the Black Cock Bridge and the remnants of the sunny day were precious.
It’s good to have the warm days back again. I hope they stick around.
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December 26th – A ride up to the Chase on a windy but beautiful day. Starting late, I had to be back early too, so it was a bit of a race with a good companion who’s considering buying a bike and borrowed a steed for the occasion.
Near Cuckoo Bank, we saw a herd of deer in a roadside copse – I assume they’d moved off Chasewater which was very busy, to avoid the dogs and crowds of folk enjoying a Boxing Day walk.
In the low sun, the dear looked beautiful, and there were at least ten or more loafing in the scrub. I didn’t take these photos, my companion did, but they’re too good not to use.
A lovely ride.
May 8th – Coming along the canal past Grange Farm in Walsall Wood (just between Black Cock Bridge and Clayhanger Bridge) I noticed the small group of deer in the coppice belt between the towpath and fields. Sheltering from the rain, they hung around and although skittish, allowed me to take photos.
One of the deer (not pictured) appeared to have a nasty sore on her snout, which was sad. They appeared to be healthy otherwise, though.
March 15th – To compound a bad ride, I had to go up to Walsall Wood, and my beer magnet was at full power. Excellent, you might think. Fourteen reds in a loose group, on the field margin along the canal that borders Grange Farm, Walsall Wood. Largest group I’d seen for a while, and there were some impressive specimens.
Just one snag: there was a thin scrub-copse and barbed wire fence stopping me getting through the trees to get good photos. Immensely frustrating.
Aaargh!
May 10th – Fishpond Wood just off the Chester Road at Stonnall is often locally referred to as Bluebell Wood, for obvious reasons. Last year the display of very delicate, native bluebells was quite poor due to the late spring, but this year they are excellent. This is a lovely quiet spot just off a main road, but when in bloom, the bluebells render it magical, even on a poor day like this.
April 10th – Low sun dapples the small, poolside copse on the Aldershawe Estate at Claypit Lane. This evening was more like late summer than early spring. It’s impossible not to love this countryside.
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