23rd march 2014
Leaving Bedgebury Cross for the Great Lake, I passed Viscount Beresford's mansion, and wondered how the great are so often forgotten. At the lake, the water sparkled like diamonds and Canada Geese honked like old-fashioned car horns, with sheep and their new-born lambs bleating and enjoying the warmth on the hillside. From the top of the hill, looking at the mansion at the far side of the lake, the scene probably still looks as it did in the 1840's. The Marshall would like it. Three Chimneys farm was busy, and I entered the forest, leaving the sound of work behind and walking along the sun dappled rides to the western edge, where a Sparrow Hawk took to the air and I watched as it circled high. The resident Buzzards were active, patrolling the fields to the north of the forest, always vocal. Having little rain recently, gave the ground time to dry out and walking was easier. There were boggy places, but few, and not enough to spoil the enjoyment of the woodland. The voices of spring were all about me and cock Pheasants with red cheeks displayed to the hens arrogantly, and with confidence. Partridges flew from my path, straight into the air; a fatal thing to do in autumn time. But now they are safe, from the guns, anyway. Out of the forest, there were visitors to the Pinetum, walking children and dogs. And on the pond at the visitor centre, Little Grebes chased each other with frantic legs running on the water, then diving, and bobbing up in unexpected places.
I breakfasted there, then took a short-cut back to Bedgebury Cross and the car, just before a shower of rain doused the warm earth. I drove home and the banks of the lanes were painted with the colours of Wood Anemone, Celandine and Milkmaids, Daffodils and Daisies.
No comments:
Post a Comment