Fantastic ferns, swaying bridges, colossal Douglas fir trees, meadows, an epic treehouse and to top it off a natural swimming pool is all nestled into the Black Mountains of Wales. The name Nant Y Bedd comes from the term ‘stream of the grave’, the eerie name reflects the landscape, it is unforgiving but mystical. Sue…
Wild Flowers at Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Situated between Bridgend and Port Talbot is the impressive Kenfig Nature Reserve. This SSSI boasts fantastic views over South Wales coastline, this dune system used to stretch from Ogmore River all the way to the Gower peninsular. I was glad to meet the Warden who was busy at work with a trusty volunteer party, the…
Flashback to the Summer
What a wonderful and busy Summer I had in 2016, I discovered so many different countryside sites not only within Surrey but beyond. With the year coming to a close it has given me a chance to reflect and look back on my most memorable day which was visiting Chelsea Flower Show. A first time…
Winchester’s Winter Wonderland
Hinton Ampner is a National Trust highlight of the Winchester area, from the house the public can view over the wonderful escapade of gardens created by Ralph Stawell Dutton. In the winter sunshine despite the lack in summer colour the garden lit up and the shadows of the low sun created beautiful shapes along the…
First of my Winter walks
The time has come to wrap up warm, brace yourself for the cold and continually complain to everyone around you that you are freezing and you regret the moment you step outside. The cold did not hold me back this time though, as a new resident to Winchester I have a tonne of places to…
Majestic and Quite Possibly Mysterious
I finally did it, I have explored nearly every corner of Leith Hill and am also incredibly close to visiting my favourite National Trust site at every possible season in the year. To my knowledge Leith Hill Place has not been publicly opened for very long, so I certainly could not turn down the opportunity…
My first Summer wander
I made a promise to myself this year, to make sure I re-visit certain sites that really stand out to me and true to myself I did! Frensham Little Ponds never tires to impress me, the shere greenery is enough in itself to uplift anyone that walks around the pond. I decided to take a…
Spring Time At Leith Hill
I made it my mission to visit a few of my favourite places throughout the year, to see the change in the countryside and today was certainly worth it. Myself and my friend Romy who also shares a strong love for the countryside set off for a walk from the Rhododendron Wood Car Park, following…
It Is Official
The Bluebells are officially out, I was completely taken a back by the sheer number of flowers which reached to as far as the eye could see. The Chantries Woodlands are situated in the rolling Surrey Hills near the town of Guildford. Not only do the woods boast a huge amount number of flowers but…
Childhood Memories
Another great day spent out volunteering with the Surrey Wildlife Trust at the Farncombe Woods in Surrey. Spring has certainly sprung the woods to life; whilst working there I could continually smell Wild Garlic and see the gracious Bluebells and Buttercups opening in the sunshine. Surrey Wildlife Trust are currently managing the area, they have…
Secrets Of Silent Pool
As the name suggests, the waters and woods surrounding the site create an abyss of silence. To many, Silent Pool is a sacred site, which tells the folklore tale of King John. One day he abducted a woodcutter’s daughter, he forced her further in to the deep water and drowned. This harrowing tale still haunts…
Spring Sunshine At Ockham Commons
Ockham Commons in Cobham, Surrey is covered in dry heathland and surrounded by conifer woods leading on to Boldermere lake which is used for fishing. The site is currently managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Semaphore Tower stands proudly over the commons, built in 1822 it is now…
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