nest

 

While cutting back and tidying the garden I have been aware of a pair of very noisy Long-tailed Tits in the hedge. Intrigued I had a closer look and there in a clump of brambles, probably only about a metre off the ground, is the most beautiful nest that they are busily constructing.

 

Made of moss, feathers and lichen woven together with spiders webs to gives it elasticity to expand as the chicks grow. So clever!
I have always wanted to see one of these nests and to find one so close to home is simply delightful!

the copper beech in january

Soft winter sunlight casting long shadows.
Bare branches with the last leaves holding on.

 

 

Joining in with 'Tree Following'

the hawthorn tree in february

 

A grey drizzly sort of a day, and yet the colours on the Hawthorn tree seem to glow when you look hard enough. Maybe it is because everything else seems a little dull in this weather that you notice colour more?

Searching for some sign of life on the tree during its winter slumber, I spotted tiny red leaf buds starting to emerge. A nice contrast to the spent leaf stems of last year which are still attached to the branches.

The new growth from last year is more obvious now with the fresher feel of the bark and it's deep red colouration.

The few remaining haws are well and truly past their 'best before date'.

 

 

And there is some evidence of bird life around the tree...

 

 

I will be sad to say goodbye to 'my' hawthorn tree next month after a whole year of following it. I shall look back at the changes it has undergone during the year. 

Meanwhile I need to start thinking about my new tree...

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

the hawthorn tree in december

 

 

 

The stalks of the absent berries enhance the hawthorn tree's thorny silhouette. A lone fly rests amongst the lichen on a branch. Bereft of leaves and haws, a chance to see the maze of trunk and branches which are peppered with lichens. 

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

the field in november

 

 

The first frosts of the season highlighting the pattern and structure of leaves, flowers and leaves. The low misty cloud making silhouettes of the bare trees. The hawthorns are getting stripped of their berries, only the red stalks remain. Any remaining leaves along with mosses and lichens are the sources of colour now (...and some of my favourite colour shades too).

the hawthorn tree - november

 

 

In the fading afternoon light, the hawthorn tree is a silhouette of thorny branches and berries. The leaves have gone, but the berries remain. The colour of the lichen covered bark and the deep red of the berries is gorgeous. 

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

breezy hills

  

  

Exploring some of Montgomeryshire's wildest (and windiest!) hills behind Trefeglwys. This is Karl's childhood stomping ground, so it was a gentle walk of rediscovery and sharing memories.

Ancient hedgerows and lanes, with glimpses of tumbledown cottages (where we were itching to climb over the fence to explore!). Fence posts covered in lichen and moss.

 

Up on the top of the hills, the light, colour and big skies make it my favourite sort of place. Bleached grasses blowing in the wind and a brooding Cadair Idris in the distance - love it!

We made our way down into the village and wandered round the churchyard (we just can't help ourselves!) which was full of beautiful slate. You can see that here
A campfire by the river to cook our supper as the light faded was probably the highlight of the day for the boys. Stones, water... sticks and fire... they could not have been anywhere better!

walking down memory lane(s)... bwlch-y-sarnau

 

It is becoming quite a tradition to celebrate my birthday by going out on a 'Birthday Walk'. This year I wanted to rediscover the hills and lanes of my childhood. 

Bwlch-y-sarnau translates to 'pass in the hill' and is a tiny hamlet consisting of a handful of farms and cottages high up in the Radnorshire hills. We moved here in the 1970's from the Midlands and were one of the few English families to move to the area. We embraced rural life here - a way of life that has barely changed over the centuries. My sister and I attended the local school (see a celebration of the school here) and went to Sunday School at the chapel at the top of the hill.

As a family we helped out on the neighbouring farms at shearing time and to bring in the hay. We roamed the hills, collected wood from the forests and picked berries along the lanes - a wild and free childhood! It was these hills that helped to shape me into who I am today and to share them with my family and dear friends now was very special.

 

 

While searching for the correct footpath (they are rarely waymarked!) we stumbled across this wonderful old farmhouse. A new farmhouse had been built next to it. The original house was hauntingly beautiful in its slow decay. The front door was ajar, almost inviting you in... 

Back on the right path, past lichen covered trees and posts and up to the top of the hill. The skies up here are huge - this is why I love big skies...

And here is the house where I lived... how blessed I was to of ever lived here!
I think a return visit is needed with a sketchbook as I'm feeling very inspired to rediscover and record this area further - the hedgerows, the wildlife, the farmhouses, the chapel.