travel

Back in Cheshire after an extended weekend away (and a busy week before reducing lush grass at the field after the almost endless rain).

From a very windy wild-camp in The Peak District, I watched the summer solstice sunrise; from Pym Chair above the valley of Thursbitch, also the title of a novel by Cheshire author Alan Garner.

A scenic early morning drive south in less than mid-summer weather and a fine full breakfast at Heyford Wharf alongside the Oxfordshire Canal. Not much spare time to drop into the historic gardens at Rousham this time, but across to Bicester and Bernwode Fruit Trees.
A pair of interesting pear trees and an apple tree that is red throughout (stem, leaves, apples, juice...)

Next stop in progressively wetter weather, Pangbourne.
Edulis Nursery and despite their plant hunting, two specific forms of native Sorbus domestica acquired.
Onwards south of Newbury and through Andover and ironically passing Stonehenge on the longest day, into Devon.
After weeks of rain, everywhere was rather wet. Another scenic setting for a wild camp then an easy day in Devon, stopping by Thornhayes Nursery for yet more native Sorbus trees.
Having experimented with a traditional English scythe back at the meadow, a drop in at The Scythe Shop for a quick well informed practical session and chat regarding the use of an Austrian scythe. I've acquired one for grassland management...

A pleasant evening meal in Exeter and a quick look at the Cathedral frontage which is about to have its first phase of new landscaping.

Friday night saw camp being set up at Rackenford at The Bulworthy Project in their woodland. A relaxed and well presented charcoal course from sustainable wood on their site on the Saturday and a pleasant evening before shutting down the kiln on the Sunday morning.

Further forays across Devon on the Sunday, including a 6 mile Lyme Regis to Seaton coastal walk in sunny weather, then a steady drive north to home with a stop off at Salisbury for food.

Back at the field, I must be one of the few folk in England happy with the weather (although recent river levels of The Dee at Farndon were almost at risk of flooding).
Last Novembers large transplanted cider apple trees would have been a worry if things were dry. An impressive amount of lush leaf an new stem growth on all the orchard trees.

A pleasant chat with a few neighbours, further discussions with the Holt Local History Society and the landscape on the Farndon side in its wider context with respect to the near by castle.
Interestingly a metal detectorist has been seen around the fields (and unconnected with organised surveys of the area), he seemed a bit 'vague' about which field(s) he had permission to dig in.

Back at home I've been going through the stock of fruit trees and native broadleaf trees to transplant at the next opportunity, the remainder of the year will be quite busy.