 |
| Padley Gorge, Derbyshire
One of our favourite springtime walks. On a quiet day in mid-May its not too difficult to imagine Ents roaming the ancient Oak & Birch woodland. The almost mystical atmosphere is further enhanced by the waterfalls and presence of the uncommon Redstart and both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. |
 |
| The Wishing Tree
Funny how people feel the need to hammer a coin into a tree trunk and make a wish. In some areas of the country its believed that if the trees spirits are given an offering the sick could pass their illness onto the tree. This would help protect the tree from being chopped down and removed. Unfortunately anybody foolish enough to pull one of the coins out would soon become ill. |
 |
| The almost mystical woodland. One day I really must make the effort to visit at dawn. |
 |
| Pied Fycatcher (male) |
 |
| One of a further 11 Pied Flycatchers seen along a relatively short stretch. |
 |
| Pied Flycatcher (female). |
 |
| An unknown fungi |
 |
| Former gritstone quarry. |
 |
| Abandoned Millstones. Difficult not to be impressed with the sheer amount of effort that must have gone into the quarrying and manufacture of the millstones. |
 |
| Possibly the greenest grass I’ve ever seen. Remarkable considering how thin the stony soil is. |
 |
| Cowberry, a real specialist of upland moors with several seen whilst walking back towards the Surprise View car park. |