This morning the cold North wind carried away the birdsong. The sky was overcast and the morning grey. Dee and I (and Maisie) drove to Kilndown for a Goudhurst, Bedgebury walk. The strong wind meant that the gloves were on again; so very cold, not expected in June.
Down the road to Pump Hill, we were under a canopy of trees and the wind was silent there. A Wren was piping loudly from the hedgerow, ridiculously loud for such a tiny bird. Along the lane at Twysden, great clumps of Scullcap bordered the path. And at the bottom of the park at Finchcocks, where the fierce cold North Easterly cut into us, a Little Owl left an old tree stump, quite silently, as we passed by.
Close by Crowbourne Farm, Maisie caught a Blackbird chick which protested loudly, until it was rescued by a very cross Dee! In the wood at Crowbourne, there was a group of six or eight Dryad's Saddle mushrooms growing from a living Ash tree; a scaly yummy looking mushroom, the size of a dinner plate which would probably make you sick if eaten. So I left them alone. The birdsong was with us in the quiet of the wood.
After the hard climb to Goudhurst church, the south side of the hill was well out of the wind. A Kestrel kept us company for a while, while Maisie chased Pheasants, and it was explicitly evident that Maisie had eaten grass, as there was a blade poking out from her bottom, much to our amusement and disgust. Dee refused to pull it out!
At Marlingate, the wind whistled down the Lime tree avenue. Lords and Ladies were grouped under a tree; their Lordships erect and displaying themselves with abandon. We had our first break on a grassy bank before Three Chimney's Farm. It was no warmer and there was a little rain in the wind.
The quiet of Bedgebury Forest, brought a welcome respite. But there were no butterflies or moths; no damsel flies, just a few hardy bees. In a large clearing under patches of brilliant yellow Broom, Bluebells still flourished, resisting the inevitable advance of Summer. May was turning dusky pink and red, Elder and Rowan were in bloom in spite of the cold. There were Oxeye daises, of which I am so fond. The multicolored Rhododendrons provided a little cheer as we entered the Pinetum and we had a second break there. On Marshall's Lake, a pair of Canada Geese escorted a clutch of eight goslings, all very well behaved. Yellow Irises decorated the banks. We returned through the forest and went by The Great Lake toward Bedgebury Cross. It was quiet at the lake with just a few Canada Geese and Great Crested Grebes, so little chance to dawdle. On the Kilndown lane, Wild Strawberries were on the banks, delicate flowers and a promise of Summer fruit.
The rain had held off at least and the Sun began to trickle through as we arrived at the car. Then home and warmth!
It will be an age before this time will come again,
The season's works lies on the earth; all beauty spent.
Best not wish time is gone,
But Autumn is longed for.
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