The Field in September

 

  

  

 

 

 

The trees demand the attention now, laden with berries and their leaves starting to change colour. And it's been such a dry month, everything is quite parched.

Gregynog

 

 

 

A lovely meet up with an old friend at Gregynog, catching up while walking through the woods in the September sunshine. Somehow I had never been here before. I think it won't be too long before I go again, as it's really quite a beautiful place that deserves more exploration.

the first to fly the nest

It has been an emotional roller coaster preparing our eldest son to embark on his new life as a university student in Bradford. Over the weekend, he packed up his things and we all went to Bradford on what was quite a nerve wracking journey for me... was there anything I should have done/bought to prepare him better?
I needn't have worried. As soon as we got there he began to adapt to and relish his new surroundings - unpacking his things and introducing himself to his new housemates. The halls on campus are so well designed with a strong sense of community - a perfect start to independent life.
We stayed overnight in Bradford to get to know the city a little better and help him to get his bearings (and not to rush the goodbye!).
And what a fascinating city it is...

City Hall, Bradford

Did you know Henry V was a keen footballer!

The 'Little Germany' quarter

Queen Victoria photographed by Fred

Bradford Cathedral

I liked the juxtaposition of the new city development with the beautiful relics of the city's Victorian textile heritage.

 

 

We loved this city... the boy chose well! I am a little bit envious of him as I would just love to be a student here, but I had to leave him to enjoy this place on his own, in his own way. And yes I did shed a few tears in the car, a few more when we arrived home, and even more in the supermarket the next day! It feels like grief, but for a good change, so I mustn't be too sad. He is happy, therefore so must I be, but roll on Christmas!

the hawthorn tree - september

 

 

 

 

Beautiful September sunshine helping to ripen all the haws on the tree, as they have all turned a uniform rosy red colour. The tree is laden with berries. Leaves are just on the turn, with the horse chestnut behind already looking autumnal.

As I approached the hawthorn tree, I was treated to a fantastic view of a family of spotted flycatchers feeding from a neighbouring tree. Also a treecreeper made an appearance, which I hadn't seen in The Field before.

A blissful few minutes sat by the hawthorn tree, in the warm sunshine, watching them all.

Joining in with Loose and Leafy's 'Tree Following' project.

To see the hawthorn tree's progress this year, click on the Tree Following label.