countryside – Page 2 – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

April 30th – I was going to break up today’s images into groups, and then I thought better of it. Today’s theme was clearly late spring, early summer, and an utter contrast to the previous day. I left mid-morning for a short meeting in Telford with the sun on my back and wind in my face. The damp landscape hummed with life of all kinds. The rustling of new foliage, the splash of water draining away in roadside ditches, the song of finches and blackbirds, busy in the hedgerows. At Stafford Park in Telford, a line of cherry tress had me stunned, and closer to home at Little Aston and Stonnall, wildflowers brightened the verges, field margins and spinneys. The lanes were crisp and bright, the scent of oilseed rape had risen and everything smelt delightful.
Are days like this better for the preceding bad ones, or do they always seem this good?

I’d appreciate ID help with the flowers, please, if anyone knows.

March 5th – I returned early for a change, but absent mindedly got on the wrong train at New Street. I had intended to catch a Walsall service, and come home with the wind more of less behind me, but stuck on autopilot I got on a Lichfield train instead, hopping off at Blake Street. Battling an evil headwind all the way back, it was otherwise a lovely afternoon, with bright blue skies, fluffy white clouds and a certain emerald hue coming into the countryside around Stonnall. I noticed clumps of early daffodils, particularly along Mill Lane near Ivy House Farm, and the views were clear and lovely. Spring, I’m ready for you now.

January 29th – On the kissing gate at the entrance to the new pond at Clayhanger, I spotted this notice. Thought I’d feature it here, as anyone making such an effort to get the community together in any activity deserves a little support. I wish Garry and Jackie all the best in their venture.

I noticed also that the kissing gate had recently been expertly rebuilt by (I assume) the countryside and estates guys at Walsall Council. I also observed that the common itself was again spotless, and it appears that some coppicing is in progress. People have been working hard on the greenspace locally for a while now – there are refurbished boardwalks over on Brownhills Common and some brush cutting and thinning there, too.

Thanks, folks, your work is much appreciated.

July 23rd – A brief afternoon run out through Aldridge and Stonnall rewarded me with fine views from both Lazy Hill and Grove Hill. This view, from the former, is often neglected as it’s not easy to get a good aspect on. Looking northeast across Stonnall to Lichfield, it shows a summer well and truly on it’s throne.

April 7th – The bright greens and blues of spring are really beginning to show in the hedgerows, copses and fields. Here at Footherly, the birds are abundant and field margins are busy with rabbits, hares and patrolling buzzards.