Surrey Archives - Page 13 of 19

A sunny walk at Sheepleas

Located within the Surrey Hills Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty is the wonderful Sheepleas. Managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, this site of Special Scientific Interest is a mosiac of woodland and grasslands and a haven for wildlife.

It was wonderful to wear Summer clothes and feel the warmth of the sun on our skin. POD ran through the woodland like a little fairy shouting “come on Mummy and Daddy”. She had a renewed sense of freedom and a spring in her step – perhaps because she was without her coat, hat and wellies.

The name ‘Sheepleas’ is a pointer to its centuries-old use as sheep-grazed meadows or ‘leas’, supporting the local wool industry. The Cowslip Meadow is a well-known Spring phenomenon with visitors coming from far and wide in April and May. Last year this meadow was crowned Surrey’s ‘Coronation Meadow’ – a project created by HRH Prince of Wales to select a wildflower meadow in each county of the UK.

Although the Cowslip Meadow is a sight I’d love to see, today’s walk was a leisurely affair. We just followed the pathways, took in the sunshine and said many times we couldn’t believe how warm it was. It must have been almost twenty degrees that day.

The picnic area provided a great space for her to run around although she stopped occasionally to take in the butterflies and birds overhead. There was much chasing too and she quickly realised Mummy and Daddy can’t run in circles quite as fast as she could!

POD made a beeline for a bench when she got something in her shoe, in turn presenting the most idyllic scene.

After more running around, POD made her way to another bench where she sat and pondered. It wasn’t long before all three of us where trying to squish ourselves on this tiny bench and much hilarity ensued as a result!

As we were leaving the picnic area, the strangest thing happened. POD climbed on a bench for an impromptu lie down. She didn’t even notice I was there with my camera, capturing what was a really wonderful moment.

No walk would be complete without sticks. POD threw this one to a passing dog but he wasn’t interested in playing so she reclaimed it!

Walking back to the car, it was hard to believe the sky was as blue as it was. Just beautiful.

Linking up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill , Brilliant Blog Posts at Honest Mum and What’s The Story? here on PODcast.

Thank you to everyone that nominated PODcast in the MAD Blog Awards. I’m over the moon to be a Finalist in the Photography category. If you enjoy my photographs, I’d really love it if you could vote for me.

A garden update

After discovering the Alpines at RHS Wisley last week, it seemed a good time to share photographs from the Dove garden.

Although it’s in desperate need of some attention at the moment there are signs of Spring everywhere. The unkempt beds have seen flowers start to bloom and the bushes in need of a pruning are sprouting with life.

We’ve seen a few crocuses this year and this was the last man standing. Beautiful flowers, such a joy to photograph with all their purple veins.

To date there has only been one daffodil in the garden but there are buds everywhere. I hope over the next week or so we’ll start to see that yellow carpet appear.

We’ve seen a huge rise in insects over the past week or so – butterflies and ladybirds especially have all come out from hiding.

The wonderful Magnolia tree seems to have completely flowered in the space of two weeks. It looks glorious against a bright blue sky.

The inside of each flower almost looks like it’s made from strips of streaky bacon!

When the opportunity arises it’s been great to capture dewy webs. Although the photograph I took last week was better, this one came out well. I just love how the water droplets look like miniature crystals. It just shows how clever spiders are too.

There is a huge bush of these yellow flowers, they look great – especially when you’re looking skyward.

Finally whilst taking a photograph of our flowering lavender, I spotted two metallic looking beetles. On doing some research, it seems they’re Rosemary Beetles which originate from Southern Europe. They devour rosemary, lavender, thyme and sage leaves so they’ll be removed from our herb garden at the first available opportunity!

Linking up with #HDYGG with Mammasaurus.

Capturing the scene

Now POD’s three she’ll often tell you what she’s doing and what she’s about to do. Unless you ask her what she did at nursery and her response will always be “nothing”.

POD loves to be outdoors and this woodland walk should have been no different. But it was. Perhaps it was that renewed sense of freedom.

Gone was the coat, the hat and the wellies, replaced with a dress that blew behind her as she ran. Her beloved muddy puddles had gone but there were sticks aplenty. For a time it was just us, wandering along the grass lined paths with the blue sky above and the sun beaming down.

When we reached a wide open space POD stopped on a bench surrounded by knobbly trees. She said she had a stone in her shoe.

Once back together, POD ran to another bench shouting “come on”, waving her arm as she went. She was convinced she was too far away to be photographed. But she wasn’t and a thoughtful looking POD was captured in the process.

She probably wasn’t thinking much but she looks like she’s pondering something. Unless she was just taking in her surroundings and enjoying the glorious sunshine.

It wasn’t long before she was off again, running round in circles, only stopping to watch the occasional butterfly. When she climbed onto another bench for an impromptu lie down, she didn’t notice I was there with my camera.

What a truly wonderful scene to capture.

Linking up with #LivingArrows at I Heart Snapping, #MagicMoments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and #AllTheSmallThings at Mummy Never Sleeps.

Discovering the Alpines at Wisley

Every now and again it’s nice to escape with nothing but your camera. We’re lucky RHS Wisley is so close, its a beautiful place for a walk whatever the time of year.

This photograph was taken looking back at the house, to the left is the canal and loggia and to the right the grassy slopes were littered with daffodils and crocuses. In a couple of months the bridge you see before you will be covered in Wisteria. The Spring smells are already divine.

The Rock Garden offers a wide range of plants from around the World and waterfalls a plenty. Today provided the opportunity to explore the rocky steps and discover new things although the area is buggy accessible in parts.

At one point I found some steps leading upwards, I followed them and it led up to a meadow bursting with daffodils on the cusp of blooming. What a sight that will be!

Above the Rock Garden are the Alpine Houses and the Centenary Crevice Garden. Having not investigated this area before, it was like discovering a secret garden. Hundreds of plants grew in nooks and crannies.

From fuzzy flowers

and spiky succulents

to colourful mixes set in slate and stone.

The display houses showcase an array of alpine gems

including a stunning collection of colourful flowers.

Even one of our fuzzy friends made an appearance – the first of the year!

Outside there were more delights to be found

and a very different view of the Glasshouse – it really is immense. The butterflies in the Glasshouse event was held in the tropical zone there.

PODcast IMG_0317

Having made the most of the Alpine Garden and the Rock Garden, there was time for an amble round The Wild Garden.

I was so quiet taking this photograph as there was a couple feeding a Robin behind me.

Then boom! Nothing shouts sunshine and happiness more than daffodils – these ones almost took your breath away.

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.

Winter #OneWeek

This Winter will be remembered for the storms. We count ourselves very lucky that our damage has been minor compared to many. We just lost a fence. This is POD peering through it the week before it came down.

POD would have loved to play in the snow and build a snowman but we’ve not seen a flake! We’ve barely had any frost either – weirdly I captured this mossy clump and a ladybird in the same week!

This Winter has very much been about dodging the rain clouds in the quest for country air. I’ve loved photographing rain drops though it must be said!

After capturing what was a wonderful Autumn, the early part of the Winter saw us take a short trip to Bruges. We traveled on Eurotunnel so we could drive from Calais. Bruges is a beautiful city full of medieval buildings and cobbled streets with Christmas markets offering the likes of Bratwurst and of course Glühwein.

We also got to see the Snow and Ice sculpture festival based on Disney’s film Frozen while we were there. Amazing but very cold at -6 degrees!

Back in the UK there were interesting festive displays

and lots of outdoor fun to be had. POD loved mucking around on this visit to Wisley!

At Claremont, there were many giggles in the aptly named ‘Ha-ha’ when we embarked on the Twelve days of Christmas trail!

Having previously discovered the follies of Painshill Park, we were back to see Father Christmas in the crystal grotto. POD had not seen the big man before so it was a great introduction.

POD has loved all the muddy puddles this Winter. The photograph below was taken at Alice Holt, a local forest where the sun made an appearance shortly after we arrived.

We’ve explored varied landscapes too, like the Majestic Commons which had some of the oldest trees I’ve ever seen. We had to make a run for it when the heavens opened!

We’ve seen trees down too which is sad to see. The bollards in the background of this photograph from our visit to Bookham Commons a stark reminder.

When time was short, we’ve been lucky there is so much nearby – like Clandon Park. This is POD relaxing having completed the Wildlife Fact Finding Trail there.

Events such as the Butterflies in The Glasshouse at Wisley made you forget it was Winter with its tropical temperatures.

But the rain was never far away! You’d never know from this photograph how much rain we saw on our visit to Bocketts Farm although we were safely inside stroking animals then!

When the sun has appeared, we’ve darted out of the house at great speed to make the most of it. Abinger Roughs was a great walk with POD enjoying many a puddle – another time we reached the car just in time!

On occasions Winter has been like Spring. This photograph of the boathouse at Winkworth Arboretum was taken last month. It was glorious – we even saw snowdrops and daffodils!

So Winter for us has been about making the most of the outdoors in an attempt to blow away those cobwebs. Although there were weekends when it was impossible to do anything, we’ve managed to make the most of it.

We’re linking this Winter post up with Older Mum for seasonal linky #OneWeek and #PoCoLo at Verily Victoria Vocalises.

The Swing

The skies were blue, there was barely a cloud in the sky and the birds chirped loudly in the trees. The warm sun meant flesh was on show for the first time in a while.

In the garden POD was up and down the slide over and over giggling as she flew off the end of it. Then she was in her playhouse offering interesting meal combinations – the favourite being asparagus and egg with cake!

The swing was put away when the storms began so it’s the one part of her activity set that’s been missing. It got its first airing on Sunday and was greeted with much enthusiasm. That is one happy face!

POD loved going back and forth on the swing with the breeze in her hair. Once it slowed down, she’d watch Daddy tidy the shed staying in the same position.

Now and again she’d take a break to examine ladybirds, watch butterflies or run around the garden

but it wasn’t long before she was back on the swing! Mummy never pushes as high as Daddy so it came as a surprise to POD when a degree of height was achieved – encouraged by shouts of “push higher Mummy”.

A raucous giggle was followed by an infectious belly laugh – it really is the best sound ever. If only it were possible to capture that moment of utter joy, just wonderful.

POD loved being in the garden sunshine. She was tired and dirty but she’d definitely missed that swing of hers!

Linking up with Living Arrows at I Heart Snapping, Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and All the Small Things at Mummy Never Sleeps.

If you enjoy this blog, please vote for us in the MAD Blog Awards 2014.

The Devil’s Punch Bowl & beyond

Hindhead Commons and The Devil’s Punch Bowl is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. You barely need to leave the car park to appreciate the impressive views across The Bowl.

POD and I explored The Devil’s Punch Bowl for the first time just last month but we were back so Daddy could discover it too. It was a windy day but we were lucky the rain stopped just as we arrived.

We decided to take the historic Sailor’s Stroll as it’s an easy walk and we had POD’s bedroom to decorate once we were home!

The Bowl is a natural amphitheatre and a breathtaking one at that. The slopes are covered with heath, small streams and woodland. Even on a grey day the panoramic views extend for miles. The smell of the woodland is divine.

The Sailor’s Stone marks the spot where an unknown sailor met his death. He was murdered by three men he had befriended in a local pub in Thursley whilst walking from London to Portsmouth.

On the stone is carved: Erected in detestation of a barbarous murder committed here on an unknown sailor on Sept 24th 1786 by Edward Lonegon, Michael Casey and James Marshall who were all taken on the same day and hung in chains near this place. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood by man shall his blood be shed (Gen chap 9, v6).

Just up from the Sailor’s Stone is Gibbet Hill which lies above the Devil’s Punch Bowl. It’s the second highest point in Surrey – on a clear day you can see London and other Surrey Hills such as Leith Hill and Box Hill.

The nearby Celtic Cross, listed by the English Heritage as a Grade II listed monument, marks the spot where the three villains were tried and hung as a warning to other criminals. Their bodies remained there for three years until they were blown down in a storm. The Celtic Cross was erected to help dispel local fears that the hill was haunted by ghosts of the highwaymen.

The intention after that was to head back to the car which completed the Sailor’s Stroll. Daddy didn’t want to walk back on himself though and was convinced if we carried on walking we’d end up back where we started.

POD was tired so having had a little wander, returned to her buggy where she promptly fell asleep. We took in the wonderful scenery, including fabulous ancient trees, and headed downwards into The Bowl.

We thought we were lost but when we came across Gnome Cottage we found ourselves on the map again. Just up from there we saw the most fabulous wild horses. Several checked us out as we passed but they kept a safe distance. POD was delighted to see them having woken from her slumber a few minutes earlier.

The scenery was beautifully lush in this lower part of the Devil’s Punch Bowl with colourful heather and yellow gorse strewn across the landscape.

Heading upwards, the sight behind us just highlighted how fabulous this area really is.

We then headed down wide bridal paths lined with striking trees including one that looked like it had a rabbit in it. A stark reminder of the recent storms was this huge tree that had uprooted and fallen in our path.

We realised we might be lost when we crossed a stream and ended up in a residential area albeit a very nice one!

We then took a bridal path that almost disappeared – we came from the other side of this gate below. We kept going even though the last part meant carrying the buggy and POD independently.

We’d clearly walked off the National Trust map, and without one of our own, we were delighted when we saw people again. And one of those National Trust signs!

After walking some more, and attempting to make sense of Google Maps, we came across familiar landscape. We realised at that point we were heading back towards the Devil’s Punch Bowl even if we’d picked up the more demanding Highcombe Hike trail.

When we reached The Robertson Memorial we knew we were on the right track. William Alexander Robertson was the eldest of four children. His two younger brothers died during the First World War and he left a bequest with the National Trust in memory of them. His elder brother and parents were remembered in bequests elsewhere.

It took three hours to arrive back where we started – we rewarded ourselves with a well earned slice of cake. We didn’t get much decorating done but at least we can say we explored the Devil’s Punch Bowl and beyond!

Linking up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and What’s The Story? here on PODcast.

Frosty mornings

We’d normally drive to pre-school but there’s a fault on the car so we’re currently on foot. Although the walk is uphill and mostly alongside a busy road, it does have its perks!

It’s provided the perfect opportunity to capture frosty succulents,

twisted leaves

and moss on the top of a letterbox.

When the frost melts, water droplets sparkle on flowers by the roadside

these berries even have their own umbrella!

There are signs of Spring

and Sunday roast (POD thought this was a sprout!) everywhere.

If you look closely you’ll find some absolute gems

like upside down daffodils

and an unknown flower peeping over a garden wall.

Linking up with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers where the prompt is Morning and #HDYGG at Mammasaurus.

If you enjoy this blog, please vote for us in the MAD Blog Awards 2014.

That moment

There will always be photographs for those special occasions, the best ones being when they don’t know you’re there. Like the time POD wanted to play in the garden just before her Christening!

What I love about photography is that you capture that moment. Whether it was the first time POD blew a dandelion clock,

tasted a lolly

or tried out her new swing!

Occasionally there’s no photograph, just something that happened you simply have to remember. Last night POD opened a nursery rhyme book at bedtime, said “what’s this one Mummy?”and promptly sung it word for word. Only to do the same again with a further ten nursery rhymes. It’s the most wonderful sight to see our three year old have an impromptu sing song at bedtime!

Linking up with Living Arrows at I Heart Snapping, Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and All the Small Things at Mummy Never Sleeps.

If you enjoy this blog, please vote for us in the MAD Blog Awards 2014.

Spring at Winkworth Arboretum

Having recently explored the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Abinger Roughs and Bookham Commons, last weekend was the turn of another National Trust site – Winkworth Arboretum. We last visited in Autumn (twice!) but it’s beautiful any time of year.

The wooded valley and lakes were the result of Dr Wilfrid Fox’s vision – it was his place to experiment with planting styles and tree species. He wanted to use plants to paint a picture that blended in with the beauty of the valley.

Sunday was the most glorious Spring day – sunshine, blue skies and mild weather. We were greeted with a spectacular display of daffodils when we arrived much to everyone’s delight.

This is what you see from the viewing platform – scenery so picture perfect, it’s almost like a postcard. If you’re looking for the feel good factor, just stand here for a few minutes and feel that fresh air hit your lungs.

Although there are access all areas routes suitable for those of us with a buggy, we chose to head down towards The Bowl. This leads to the Boat House and Rowe’s Flashe Lake which Daddy had not seen before.

The route we took was fairly gentle with wide steps so it was easy to navigate between the two of us.

The surroundings are fabulous. Not just the the snowdrop lined path but the The Bowl itself and the view looking back up where we’d just come.

The Bowl is an open space adorned with wonderful trees. POD quickly realised the grass was bouncy and it was the perfect place for her to ‘run off’ – once she’d checked we were behind her!

It was then a case of the more Daddy chased, the faster POD ran falling several times in the bouncy grass. After giggling on the ground in a way only a three year old can, she was back on her feet and off again.

If she wasn’t running, she was hiding behind trees and testing muddy puddles!

The boathouse and lake is a place of calm where you can admire the views and watch the ducks. Over the other side of the lake you can really appreciate it and the immense Magnolia Wood above.

The wetlands were once a lake and they’ve been left to redevelop naturally – they’re a fascinating sight at this time of year.

On my last visit the Azalea Steps were littered with red Acer leaves but now they’re framed with snowdrops and new signs of life. We didn’t take this route as we had the buggy but I love the walk from the Boathouse up the Azalea Steps to the woodland.

We always have a great time at the Winkworth Arboretum and how amazing to see daffodils. Surely this is a sign Spring is on it’s way?

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

If you enjoy this blog, please vote for us in the photography or family fun categories. We’d love to be nominated in the MAD Blog Awards 2014.

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Surrey

A sunny walk at Sheepleas

A garden update

Capturing the scene

Discovering the Alpines at Wisley

Winter #OneWeek

The Swing

The Devil’s Punch Bowl & beyond

Frosty mornings

That moment

Spring at Winkworth Arboretum

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

Find us on Facebook