Of all England's long-distance footpaths, I know the South Downs Way best. For twenty years I've lived almost within sight of it; walked many stretches countless times and all of it at least twice. But I had never completed the entire 100 mile trek from Winchester to Eastbourne in one continuous, sweaty effort. Until now. On … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne
Countryside
Dungeness
I wanted to go but would I get it? The woman in Rye got it but her son did not. "He's arty, like me, so I wanted to take him because I knew he'd love it. I knew he'd get it." She grimaced. "But he didn't; he hated it. Called it God-awful forsaken. He said … Continue reading Dungeness
A High Wind In Sussex
It is with trepidation that I drive to the Priory after or even, like this morning, during a gale. Storm Katie caused havoc across Southern England and the thought of a large oak or ash lying on its side gave me an anxious twitch as I drove to work. Carefully dodging branches and a few … Continue reading A High Wind In Sussex
Margaret’s Farm …
... sits on the skyline above the Priory. I visit once a week to stock up on eggs, catch up with local gossip, spread local gossip, help out if needed and wander round the farmyard. After several months, her cows are still over-wintering in the sheds. They'll be turned out in a few weeks when … Continue reading Margaret’s Farm …
Pollarding And The Zest For Life
Flowers are returning to the Priory ... after selfishly leaving me all alone for long dank months. Still, no hard feelings. There are cautious whispers and murmurings as my fair-weather friends slowly heave themselves out of bed. Beneath large oak and ash on the meadow, small pockets of snowdrops have returned. I did wonder whether … Continue reading Pollarding And The Zest For Life
Almost Wordless Wednesday: That Darn Owl
I don't see him very often but when I do, the Priory tawny owl brightens up my day. He'd be so much easier to photograph if he roosted in a less twiggy tree. But he likes his lofty, camouflaged perch and my focusing challenge just puts a twinkle in his eye.
Blight, Rain and Flood
This is a rubbish winter. No snow, no ice, barely a frost, just rain. Lots and lots and lots of rain. Day after day of tedious, repetitive, flooding rain. I'm not prone to depression but weeks of non-stop rain is twisting my arm. "Rain, rain go away, come again another day" is too polite by … Continue reading Blight, Rain and Flood
The Anxious Gardener 