Pinewood PagesWoods
Walks in the pine woods behind the house.
Woodpecker by the old stump
There's a great spotted woodpecker that has been working on the dead pine near the clearing. You hear it long before you see it. Today it let me get within about fifteen metres before it moved round to the other side of the trunk, which they always do, as if that makes them invisible. Read on
Snow on the pines
First proper snow of the winter. Went out before breakfast while it was still falling. The woods are completely different in snow, quieter, and you can see exactly who has been along the path before you: a fox, something small with a lot of feet, and one person in very large boots. Read on
Mushroom season, looking not picking
The woods are full of mushrooms after the rain last week. I don't pick them. I know just enough to know I don't know enough, and the guide book makes it very clear how small the differences can be. Read on
The long loop
Found a longer walk this morning. Instead of turning back at the clearing I followed the forestry track up the ridge and came down on the far side by the old quarry. About an hour at an easy pace, maybe a bit more if you stop as often as I do. Read on