An Enchanted Place

After several days of dull skies and rain, the morning of day 126 of 365 Days Wild was unexpectedly sunny. The clouds that remained in the sky gave interest rather than obscurity. As more rain was expected to move in later, as storm Alex swung around us, I was determined to make the most of the pleasant weather. I was well past dawn when I headed out, but it was still early enough for the sun to be relatively low in the sky. It was a beautiful morning to be out and about.

My first stop on my walk was in search of the Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) that I spotted on day 124. Yesterday’s photograph of it was disappointing, so I had to snap a few more.

Not far from the Woundwort I also spotted a patch of Crane’s-bill. Without closer examination I’m not sure whether it’s Hedgerow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pyrenaicum) or Dove’s-foot Cranes-bill (Geranium molle), but whichever it is, it’s very pretty and was a delight to see.

As I walked along the lane I was drawn again to the ivy that fills the hedgerow.

It continues to be a hubbub of wasp activity.

After the rain everywhere was very wet. Droplets clung to the growth in a multitude of sparkling lights. I always find the sight of droplets on stems of grass a particularly lovely sight.

I also love the sight of them bejeweling fallen leaves.

From the lane I wandered onto the Millennium Walk. I was tempted to follow the path through to the meadow.I

Instead I remained on the woodland path, which is looking increasingly autumnal each time I walk along it.

The sun shining through the leaves of the horse chestnut tree then caught my eye. Other leaves are now starting to turn, but these are the furthest along. This is because they’re affected by the horse chestnut tree leaf miner. This moth larvae (Cameraria ohridella) causes the leaves to change colour earlier than they ordinarily would, but actually does no other harm to the tree.

I just had to stop and collect a few conkers while I was on the path, too! I can’t resist. The pockets of my jacket are starting to get a bit full now…

At the end of the Millennium Walk I crossed back into the meadow. There I spotted a patch of dandelions on the path. Their cheerful yellow was a perfect representation of just how cheerful the sunny morning had made me. I hope the sight of them makes you just as cheerful.

That’s all for today. Have you been out and about in nature recently? I’d love to know. Just leave a comment below.