I can't think of a nicer way to spend the early morning of a sunny Easter Bank Holiday Monday than a walk in Harridge Woods, Oakhill with friends. Belinda, Jenny and I hadn't met up in ages so there was a lot to talk about! We went to see the wild garlic, but at the entrance of the woods all we could see were bluebells and evidence, in the form of logs, of a continual maintenance programme. This work is carried out by the Somerset Wildlife Trust who own the woods.
However, as we walked deeper into the woods, there were carpets of wild garlic. It was mostly in leaf and bud but we did see some of pretty white star-like flowers. We reckon another week or so before it is all in full flower. We could certainly smell the garlic...
One of the exciting things on this particular walk, is the way the woods are reclaiming the ruins of Ashwick Grove House (see above). Only hints of the former grand house and outbuildings remain...
Another ruin on the walk is Keepers Cottage (see top left), which has been preserved from further collapse, as a habitat for bats. Overall, the building supports at least seven species of bat throughout the year. These woods are a great place for fungi, wildflowers, lichen, ferns, moss, as well as birds and wild animals. We didn't see any deer this time but we did hear plenty of birdsong and an active woodpecker!
This morning, I had another lovely woodland walk with Belinda. Although there were some bluebells, this wood was all about the wild garlic. Carpets of bright white star shaped flowers with dark green foliage and that pungent garlic smell! It was a beautiful sight. The great thing about this plant is that it is edible - flowers and leaves. We both collected some to take home to use. I am going to make a wild garlic risotto for tea tonight!
Our walk was in Harridge Woods, which we visited this time last year - follow the label below. This wood is managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust, with pathways, interesting ruins, running water and it is only a few miles outside Shepton...
It was great to get out again for an early morning walk. Today I went with Belinda on a mission - to find an easily accessible bluebell wood, that would be suitable to take her mother to! As she lives in Wells, we drove to Dulcote and took a bridleway towards the city, until we veered off into woods on the right. There we were rewarded with a result - drifts of bluebells creating areas of beautiful blue/purple haze!
Unfortunately, even on this lovely route, the problems of graffiti and homelessness cannot be escaped. We passed several structures in the woods, that had signs of occupation at sometime. As we passed one (see above top right), we could hear the sounds of someone sleeping inside!
We also passed a Romany travellers camp, complete with horse and traditional gypsy caravan (see above), and in the middle of the woods (see above, middle right), we came across one of the big problems of the countryside today - fly-tipping...
Although the sun wasn't shining, and we haven't had rain for ages, everywhere looked green and lush. It is such a lovely time of year with an array of fresh greens, and the delicate colours of the wild flowers...
