the field in july

 

The long grass is parched and as you walk through it seeds fall and fill your shoes. On the hillside, a clump of harebells were a delight to find as I don't remember seeing these here before. 

 

 

 

  

Fruits are ripening on the trees and bushes. Blackberries already! 

And joining the Meadow Browns in the field are one of my favourite butterflies, the Small Skipper. Little flashes of orange zipping about amongst the grasses.

The field in January : February : March : April : May : June

It's bilberry time!

 

A whole month earlier than last year the bilberries are ready. Word in the hills was that they were ripe now... in July, so keen not to miss out we set out to gather our annual haul. We always head up to Nipstone Rock, part of the Stiperstones over the border in Shropshire. Rarely is there anyone else there and the views are outstanding looking back into Wales or if you turn around you can see for miles into England.

 

The Stiperstones

 There are so many berries that you hardly need walk very far, just find a nice mossy clump to rest on (though you will get purple splodges on your clothes) and pick away. In a couple of hours we have gathered enough to keep us in pies and muffins for the year - though I have to admit that Karl's highly efficient method of picking with a berry comb completely outdoes me for quantity, I'd have to be there all day!

 

Bilberries fresh from the bush, are the best way to enjoy them! 

 

And finally, some 'rock climbing' up the 'mountain' with Dad as a reward for their foraging efforts. It sure beats buying a punnet of blueberries from the supermarket! 

the hawthorn tree - july

 

 

 

 

The hawthorn tree is full of leaf and maturing haws. 

A potential rival tree has sprouted underneath... a forgotten acorn planted by a squirrel maybe?

 

 Marsh thistles growing up amongst the lower leaves of the hawthorn. And underneath in the long meadow grass are birds-foot trefoil and self-heal.

And meadow brown butterflies everywhere.

Joining in with Loose and Leafy's Tree Following project

The hawthorn tree in March : April : May : June