Cronkley Fell

Another day on a WFS excursion. Our aim was to climb Cronkley Fell to look at the special plants that grow on its summit. With Holly secure on Graham's back we began our walk. It started over flower rich meadows before the ascent was began. We had to dodge fell runners going up and down the fell. As the day progressed it got very warm. We reached the top just in time for dinner. We then explored the plant enclosures on top and found some very interesting plants. We came back down and started out on our long journey home.

Widdybank Farm

Met up with the WFS at Bowlees before heading off to Widdybank Farm. The meadows around the farm we just full of flowers. We spent the morning in these meadows before following a wet flush to the River Tees. Here we had our dinner before exploring the river bank for some more specialities of the area. We made a quick stop to look at Masterwort beside a farm. It was then back to the visitor centre at Bowlees to look at the adjoining quarry. It was then time for an ice-cream.

Low Force

Drove north along the A1 to our B'n'B just outside Barnard Castle. In the evening met up with the WFS at Bowlees visitor centre. From here we walked down to the River Tees. Here we crossed the river via the Wynch Bridge. Following the river we looked at the botanical delights on its banks. We saw lots of plants we haven't seen for a long time as well as a few new news. By the end of the walk Holly had fallen asleep in her carrier so we whizzed home to put her to bed.

Foxhall Close

Met up with HFFG at Foxhall Close to help survey this area of untouched land near Old Weston. It was a lovely sunny afternoon. We tried out the new baby carrier for the first time. The site was a mixture of scrub, grassland and marshland, so surprisingly diverse, although not for weevils. Graham only found one! Following the visit we went to Lynne's to help her put some data onto her computer.

Washingley

After going to a NCT sale in Huntingdon we head for Washingley specifically to look for a plant. We have our dinner beside the road then head along a track. We then realise we are on a trail around the now lost village and castle of Washingley. We don't find the plant we were after but enjoy a really pleasant walk through woods, around fields and through a paddock full of horses. Graham is delighted to find one of the really large deadwood eatting weevils.

Winterton Dunes

As it was another warm day we decided to introduce Holly to the sandy beach at Winterton. The beach was full of people. We found a spot near the water and tried to keep the sun off Holly by rigging up a shelter from bags, a towel and Graham's sweep net. Holly liked the sand but she didn't appreciate me dipping her toes in the very cold sea. Mid afternoon we packed up and went to have a coffee in the beach cafe, which had been done up since we were last there. In the evening we walked to the local PizzaHut for our final holiday meal as we were heading home tomorrow.

Somerleyton

What a difference a day makes - lovely warm sunny weather today. We took a circular walk round the tracks and lanes from Somerleyton to Laund. Took the pram with us which made our life easier although we did have to negotiate a style. Found one set aside field with some very unusual plants in - they must have been planted. Had our dinner beside a pond in Laund and watched a grass snake patrol the water. At the end of our 7 mile walk we were certainly looking forward to an ice-cream from the local Post Office, only to find it shut early. We ended up having one on Lowestoft promenade.

Beccles Marsh Trail

After consulting with the people in Beccles Tourist Office we decided to walk the Beccles Marsh Trail. I carried Holly for most of the 4 miles before Graham took over. It was very tiring! The walk took us along the River Waveney and through an area of marshes. It was very enjoyable and Graham was able to get one or two weevils.

Winks Meadow

Headed inland today to visit Winks Meadow, a small orchid rich reserve. Because of the bad weather earlier in the year many of the plants weren't out yet, although there was a good display of green-winged orchids. We then took the windy back roads to Framlingham which we discovered was having a gala. We took the opportunity to get in to the castle for free to look round a craft fair that was taking place within its walls. Had a walk round the moat and into the town for a coffee.

Lowestoft

It is another miserable day weatherwise. We drive into Lowestoft, walk along the prom - lose some pennies in the amusements and along the main high street. We weren't very impressed, but perhaps that was due to the weather. We had our lunch on the promenade, huddling together to keep warm out of the wind. We did however find a nice coffee shop on the way back to the car. In the evening we drove out to Geldeston to have a meal at the Wherry Inn. It was excellent and good value. It was then a very brief walk by the river Waveney before heading back. A good day for our first wedding anniversary.

Orford Ness

Not a very nice start to the Bank Holiday weekend - rain. We headed to Orford Ness, taking a short ferry trip over to the Ness. We decided to take the pram with us as Holly is getting very heavy to carry on long walks now. Most of the trails on the island were shut so we followed the main trail that looked at the military history of the site. We weren't able to get to the lighthouse as the pram wouldn't go over the shingle, but we did see a nuclear bomb, some derelict bunkers and a radar tower. It was certainly a different day out. We got back just in time as it began to rain heavily. There was a coffee in a riverside cafe before we meander back to the caravan.

Pakefield

Used today as a catch-up day. In the morning we wrote our postcards and walked to Morrisons to do our shopping. It was also time for us to do our laundry. After dinner we tried out the park's outdoor swimming pool. It took some effort to get in but was OK. Holly had a good splash around, but we didn't get many smiles out of her. After dinner we walked all the way along the coast path to the south pier in Lowestoft.

Landguard Point

Took the relatively long trip down to Felixstowe and Landguard Point with the aim of finding Stinking Goosefoot. We parked near the fort and had a walk round the point and thought we had found the plant - but it turned out to be Dittander. We had our dinner looking out to the docks watching the container ships come in. We drove back via Woodbridge to Blaxhall Common so that Graham could have a sweeping session. We had a brief stop at Snape Maltings for an ice-cream and Iken Cliffs for more sweeping before having fish'n'chips on the seafront at Aldeburgh.

Reydon Wood

First thing we did was visit an arts and craft complex. Disappointing as there wasn't much there and most of the shops were shut. So we headed on to visit Reydon Wood. It was a lovely site, although the bluebells were just going over, we did see Bird's Nest orchid and loads of water violet. We then drove on to Southwold and had a stroll round the town and down the pier. Bought Holly a windmill for her pram, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Kessingland

The weather definitely got from the start of the week. We took a short trip south to Kessingland to walk along the shingle beach and record the associated plants that we saw there. Saw our first new native plant species - milk thistle. Holly had a good cry half way round. For lunch we headed to Covehithe, where we were warned about the over zealous traffic wardens. Had a look round the ruin church before walking down to the beach at Benacre. Had a bargain coffee in a cafe in Wrentham.

Carlton Marshes

Headed for the SWT reserve of Carlton Marshes. Poor Graham was asked not to use his sweep net, so was despondent that he wouldn't see any weevils today. We took a circular walk around the marsh as far as the River Waveney. It wasn't the most exciting of walks. From here we drove on to Oulton Broad for our lunch. There was a really strong wind so we had to take shelter under the picnic rug. There was the obligatory coffee shop stop. From here we went to Herringfleet Hills where we followed a trail to one of the still working windmills in the marshes.

Sizewell

Up early and headed for the reserve at Sizewell Belts. Although there were lots of cars in the car park we soon lost everyone and were able to enjoy this varied and beautiful reserve. Spent most of the morning here, but didn't actually get very far from the car. From here we drove to Sizewell beach to have our lunch. Afterwards we had our first ice-cream and introduced Holly to the sea and a pebble beach - which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Pakefield

Seems like we have chosen the hottest day of the year to go on holiday. We are off to Pakefield, just south of Lowestoft for two weeks staying in a static caravan. We stop near Swaffham to have our lunch before arriving in Pakefield mid-afternoon. The caravan is ideal and just a couple of minutes walk from the sea. In the evening we go for a walk along the coastal path towards Lowestoft.

Marholm

For Plantlife's common plant survey we have been allocated a 1km square near Marholm to survey. We were able to walk from ours to the square along a really nice footpath. It was amazing that we could walk into the countryside with such ease. The path across the square also ended near the pub - The Fitzwilliam Arms, so we decided to make a break half way round for a coffee. The plants we saw weren't of real note but it was such a pleasant day out that we are looking forward to repeating the trip later in the year.

Holme Fen

It was an eventful trip to Holme Fen to say the least! The morning started well and we made a short walk to one side of the fen. Graham had a good time sweeping while I carried Holly in the sling. We came back to the car for lunch and to change Holly before setting for a walk on the other side. The area was looking really good, especially the birch trees in the sunshine. Our day was spoilt when we got back to see the state our poor car was in......

Arthur's Meadow

Met the HFFG at Lynne's house. From here we drove to a lane on the edge of the A14. It was then a walk over the fields to Arthur's Meadow. Our mission was to survey the meadow and to count the number of Green-winged orchids. These were very behind this year and were only just coming into flower, this made it very difficult to spot them. We then did a systematic walk over the meadow recording the plants seen. It wasn't the best of days, windy and cold, so it was good to get back to Lynne's to enjoy a cuppa with her.

Harlestone Firs

Met up with the a small group from the BSBI at Harlestone Firs. The aim was to survey an area of heathland that hadn't been surveyed for some time for upright chickweed. This we didn't find. It wasn't the most interesting of sites but we spent most of the day there and had our dinner in the middle of the heath. After lunch we went onto another part of the site that has been marked for housing redevelopment to look for arable weeds. From here it was on to an industrial site to see Ranunculus parviflorus on a road verge and then a track near Raunds to see Shepherd's Needle. By now we were getting very thirsty, as the weather was warm, so we stopped in Warmington for a pint of shandy.

Lady's Wood

Met up with Hunts. Fauna and Flora Group at Upwood Meadow. First thing was were shown a new new growing beside a cattle trough - Mousetail. From here we walked to Lady's Wood specifically to see the commemorative bench for Terry Wells. The woodland flowers were nearly all out and we got to see loads of newts in the woodland pond. Lynne then took us on a quick tour of Upwood meadow to show us where the interesting plants grow.

Aversley Wood

A gloriously warm sunny day. We head out to Sawtry and walk into Aversley Wood, a woodland trust site. Spend a couple of hours walking round the wood. Graham sweeping for weevils. We saw loads of beeflies and the first of the spring flowers (violets, wood anemone and bluebell). Had our lunch on a well positioned seat in the wood, where we also fed and changed Holly. From here we ended up in the garden centre at Elton Hall for coffee and to buy some plants.

Titchmarsh

Popped very briefly into Wakerley Great Wood to see if the Gagea lutea was now in bloom - which it was. This was our first new new plant of the year. From here we went south to Titchmarsh. Had our dinner in the car and then took a circular walk around the lake. It was bright but pretty windy in places. Saw a handful of plants in flower, but today did yield our first Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff of the year. It was then to the coffee shop in the local village for some refreshment.

The Decoy

Met up with PCV at The Decoy. This is Europe's only 6 pronged waterfowl decoy. PCV were there to help plant some hedges. While Jane looked after Holly, Graham helped fix tree guards around lots of the plants. It was a lovely sunny day. After lunch we headed off to Waterside Garden Centre to get some bits for the allotment. We ended up buying a bird bath for the garden!

Wakerley Great Wood

Although it was raining as we arrived at Wakerley Great Wood it did stop to allow us to go on out walk. Our mission today was to collect pleurocarp mosses and to hunt out Gagea lutea. Holly slept most of the way round and only roused as we got near the car and her dinner. We collected a lot of mosses, which we attempted to key out when we got home, and found the patch of Gagea. The flowers were just in bud, we must come back in a couple of weeks time to see them in flower. We were going to Top Lodge for a coffee, but there was obviously an event on and packed so we stopped off Sacrewell instead.

Castor Hanglands

Join up with PCV to do some scrub clearance at Castor Hanglands. During the morning Jane walks Holly up to Willow Brook farm shop to have a look round while Graham tackles the scrub and gets a bonfire going. After dinner Rose turns up and babysits so that Jane can also help out.

Market Deeping

Take Holly for a walk beside the river at Market Deeping. The walk is a 5 mile round route via West Deeping. We stop in West Deeping for a drink and biscuit and also to give Graham an opportunity to rest his back - Holly is getting very heavy. The way back is less pleasant as it starts to rain and turn very cold. Once back in town we stop for a hot chocolate in the French deli.

Hampton

A thoroughly wet and cold day, but we still braved the weather and met up for a guided walk round the Hampton Stonewort Reserve with Plantlife. Holly was strapped to Graham's chest and didn't seem to mind the weather at all. It was so cold, and the ice was so thick on the ponds that we hardly saw any of the stoneworts at all. As for the mud....We were glad to get home and have a warm up. Hopefully they will re-arrange the walk for another day.

Old Sulehay

Most of the snow that had fallen the previous day had melted so we decided to venture out and introduce Holly to PCV. Holly was strapped to Graham's chest as we walked through Old Sulehay in the snow to where PCV were working. Had our dinner with them before heading back. It was bitterly cold, but Holly didn't seem to mind. Stopped off in Sacrewell Farm for a drink before dropping Rose home.

Grafham Water

A lovely bright, but very cold, new years day. All different this year as we have Holly with us and her pram! Decided to go to Grafham Water as there were likely to be some paths. Have our dinner in the car and feed Holly before walking into the Wildlife Trust reserve. There were lots of people about. On the way back went off road with the pram, so giving Holly a bumpy journey. After the walk went round to the main visitor centre to grab a coffee before it closed.

Brampton Wood

Spent the morning buying nappies, before heading off to Brampton Wood on the outskirts of Huntingdon. When we arrived it was pouring with rain so it was dinner in the car. Thankfully the rain stopped as we finished eating. We then had a lovely walk round part of this large wood; Graham enjoyed his new toy - a video camera, although there wasn't that much to actually film. It was then back to Peterborough to buy a leaf rake!

Baston Fen

Had a trip out Baston Fen in the afternoon. Amazing that a relatively small reserve could keep us occupied for a couple of hours. Had to negotiate some cows that were very interested in us. Graham spent most of the time sweep netting (no ground beetles) and Jane made a collection of willows. A fox was surprised to see us. From here it was onto the local garden centre for a cuppa before going home.

Old Sulehay

On the Friday night we headed to Old Sulehay to set a load of pitfall traps over the reserve for the Wildlife Trust. In the morning we returned to investigate what ground beetles we had caught over the evening. Spent most of the day logging what species were caught. Then in the afternoon spent time in the lab identifying more of the beetles; which turned out to be really enjoyable. In the evening we made a special trip to locate Ulmus plotii which was our 1000th native species seen in the UK. We then came back in the next day to continue the beetle survey.

Colly Weston

After meeting up in Wakerley, we headed for Colly Weston quarries. What a difference in the weather - freezing compared to yesterday. Didn't see anything which we hadn't seen before. From here it was to a roadside near Castor Hanglands to see Falcaria vulgaris. It was then all the way back to Wakerley Great Wood. We were amazed that we were so close to the Yellow Star of Bethlehem site earlier in the year.

Wakerley

Met the WFS in the centre of Wakerley. From here we walked to a disused airfield to look for Rough Poppy and French Bartisia. Had our dinner in the shade of a large straw bale stack as it was a very warm day. From here the convoy went on to Kings Cliffe where we saw Large Dodder. Then on the way home we stopped beside the A47 to look at Lepidium latifolium which was growing at the very edge of the road. Tired, we headed home for fish'n'chips.

Kings Dyke

Visited the Kings Dyke Nature Reserve in Wittlesey. This was once a big brick pit that has been converted to a nature reserve. It was a lovely spot. Had a look for fossils, mainly ammonites, in a special area where they dump fossil rich spoil. Spent some time in the bird hide, Graham was eager to try his key, and made a good plant list for the site.

Stibbington Weekend

Arrived on Saturday afternoon to spend the Bank Holiday weekend with PCV on their annual camping and work trip at Stibbington Nature Reserve. Graham was soon set to task helping to repair a pair of bridges, while Jane enjoyed the sunshine. In the evening Graham went on a bat walk and then on Sunday evening everyone had a BBQ - which was dodged between the showers. Very basic camping, but very enjoyable even though Jane's bump made sleeping a little difficult.

Woodwalton Fen

In the afternoon had a trip out to Woodwalton Fen. The aim had been for a quick trip to see some new plants that Jane had seen earlier in the week. Turned out to be a three hour walk although we did get to see some new plants and plenty of dragonflies as it was a very sunny and hot afternoon. Our main finds being marsh and golden dock. We would have stayed longer but Jane's itch(!) couldn't continue, so we went home - with an ice-cream on the way.