Up on the Downs

This morning we took a long walk on Barlaston Downs. We hadn't been there for a while and soon discovered that quite a few things had changed. The Downs Banks site is owned and maintained by the National Trust and as we made our way around the waymarked routes we came across groups of conservation volunteers putting up fences and clearing paths whilst at the same time having great fun.



All the gates, stiles and route posts have been renewed and a new innovation allows cattle to graze on the downs to keep the vegetation under control.



It was cool and dry; perfect weather for walking and just the right light for taking photos.



After our walk we returned home for lunch which was a delicious bowl of homemade courgette soup accompanied by Paul's tasty tomato bread.