Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Here and There

Last Friday we ventured out to walk at RSPB Consall Nature Reserve.  It's one of our favourite walks.   We'd taken a flask of coffee with us which we drank in the car  as we sat and watched the birds - a tree creeper was spotted and nuthatch, robins and great tits were flitting on and off the top of fence posts where seeds had been left for them.  Then, wellingtons on, we set out for a walk down to the canal.


Down through the woods where the ground was covered in areas of Dog's Mercury, Wood Avens, Wood Anemone, Butterbur and Bluebells.

On our way we passed the two fishing pools each having seats on the paths nearby dedicated to those who used to love walking and fishing here.

Down by the wildlife pond we spotted Marsh Marigolds and a friendly frog or toad.



We crossed the bridge over the River Churnet and looked down from the bridge onto the silent railway lines of the Churnet Valley Railway  and the Caldon Canal.

Down the steps to the canal towpath and past Consall Station.

The Heritage steam railway has been closed for ages during the last year.  I think they are struggling to keep going.  We will travel the line from one end to the other when safter times allow, perhaps in the late Summer or Autumn.  I hope lots of people do the same as it would be a shame for the line to close.
 
Male Pheasant - there were a few female pheasants with him in the field.

Two herons flew in over the canal and railway. One landed at the side of the river the other up in a tree.  This one posed for a while before rising gracefully and flying further down the river.

Bridge number 50 0n the Caldon canal.




All for now.  Yesterday we walked at Westport Lake which will be my next post.  Take care.


18 comments:

  1. What a lovely post Rosie and such great photos. Some super wildlife seen especially the flowers :) So pleased you are able to travel further afield now. Been confined so close to home can be difficult and frustrating after a while. You certainly find some lovely areas to walk. Take care and I look forward to seeing Westport Lake :)

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    1. Thank you RR, we have ventured out a bit more this week, I took some lovely photos at Trentham yesterday which I will share soon. It is good to get out and about but I also find it a bit daunting at times. Take care:)

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  2. What a great walk packed full of interesting things to see along the way. I do hope they can keep the train going, it hasn't been an easy year for that sort of thing.😊

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    1. Thank you Karen, It was a good walk and seemed ages since we were last there, we had the place mostly to ourselves:)

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  3. You certainly have some beautiful & interesting walks. This one had so much with railway, canal, birds & flora. The photo of the bridge with its reflection & narrow boat is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing, as it is something we may never see again & it hurts. Take care, stay safe & hugs.

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    1. Thank you Susan, Glad you enjoyed the photos, the reserve does have a bit of everything. I hope all is well, it must be hard not to be able to visit and travel at the moment especially places you love so much. Take care:)

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    1. The are extraordinary birds and quie prehistoric in looks:)

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  5. I enjoyed your walk Rosie especially the railway and canal section which looks interesting. I hope the heritage railway manages to open later in the year.

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    1. Thank you Linda. We have two steam railways locally this one The Churnet Valley Railway and also The Foxfield Light Railway, I hope both can get through these tough times, I think they lost out last year on their Santa Specials:)

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  6. What a glorious place. Water and woodland together. Perfect. Glad you were able to enjoy so much wildlife. B x

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    1. Thank you Barbara, yes it is quite perfect with all the elements of water and transport through the valley:)

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  7. I've come over all peaceful reading this post, so lovely, thankyou.
    Briony
    x

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    1. Thank you Briony, glad you found a little peaceful moment here:)

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  8. Thanks for sharing your walk with us. Beautiful photos ,as always.Keep them coming.Barbara

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    1. Thank you Barbara, glad you enjoyed the walk:)

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  9. Dimly, in the back of my mind, I remember walking in that area long ago. I thought then that it was a lovely area and your photos confirm my recollections.

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    1. Thank you John, yes it is a lovely area just into the North Staffordshire Moorlands and close to the Roaches:)

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