Nordic walking through the bluebells

We set off from Bix across the common and into the woods which were full of bluebells, birdsong and fresh green leaves on the trees. The forest floor is still light without the full shade of leaves on the trees and the ground underfoot was ideal having dried out from the recent rains but still soft enough to be easy walking. As we came down toward Bix Bottom farm the tiles on the newly restored barn and the beautiful traditional farmhouse stood out against the green grass and the wheat crop.

The woods towards Nettlebed are a blaze of blue from the carpets of Bluebells all over the woodland. In some other places the brambles have taken over and it shows the importance of woodland management in keeping these lovely places in check. Last week in the woods near Crowsley it was disappointing to see a much reduced show of bluebells due to the encroachment of the undergrowth.

From Bix Bottom we turned up towards Catslip and followed the valley bottom along lovely grassy fields with cattle grazing. The birdsong was wonderful and there were no other walkers anywhere to be seen – we were alone with the wildlife, glimpses of muntjac deer and pheasants. The path eventually turns up a steep hill through wood which had people pausing to catch their breath but then rejoins a bridleway and becomes a wide and level path back toward Bix Common and back through yet more bluebells. Stretches on the common and all felt that they had been well exercised.

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Up with the larks

Who knows whether ‘up with the larks’ refers to the time of day when the birds are most active or the way they soar skywards emitting their glorious song. Either way this morning was wonderful. As we walked across the top of the hill larks were everywhere soaring in to the sky, filling the air with their song. Often they were not visible as they were too high in the sky but that beautiful noise signified their presence.

Below on the ground hares were visible – lollopping around the field and enjoying the warm spring sunshine. Primroses, violets and other wild flowers scattered the ground adding colour to what was winter pasture.

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Everything is early this year and bluebells are already coming out under the trees and will soon be a blaze of brilliant blue – the most spectacular sight.

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Spring time at Red Kite cottage

I love the Spring and there is nothing more lovely than waking to the sound of the birds. This morning the sun was shining and we set off with the dogs across the fields. The larks were soaring high in to the sky with their beautiful song all around us, they reach heights where they are not visible but still you can hear them. Newborn lambs were lying in the field in groups or with their mothers. Occasionally a pair would stand up and stretch before bleating loudly and running towards a welcoming ewe for a drink. Having been brought up on a farm I love the sight and sound of lambs and the lambing season heralds the start of spring.

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The Oxfordshire Way on a sunny day in Spring

The most beautiful March day dawned and we set off for Adwell from where to walk back to Henley on Thames.
Our start was Wheatfield near St Andrews Church which is almost all that remains of the village of Wheatfield.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatfield,_Oxfordshire

Where we started you can see Elm trees which is a rare sight in Britain today following the introduction of Dutch Elm disease. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulmus_procera

As we crossed the fields we stopped to watch groups of hares frollicking in the sunshine. They are such beautiful animals and were really enjoying the warmer weather and the onset of spring.
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My iphone does not do justice to such sights so I have included a close up picture of a brown hare too.

Towards Pyrton you pass a farm called Model farm where you can see an example of early mechanization involved which revolutionised British agriculture
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The long distance path wends its way on to Pyrton and then up towards the Ridgeway and on up to Christmas Common on the ridge above Watlington.
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People driving on to the upland ground and damaging the ecology have necessitated installing natural barriers such as these tree trunks.
Red Kites were everywhere and this one perched close by on a telegraph pole to get a good view
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Shelters in the woods are becoming common as children explore their natural world and amuse themselves outdoors
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We are soon up in Christmas Common after a steep climb up the hill and enjoy sustenance at the local pub. http://www.brakspear.co.uk/our_pubs/pub_page/50
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On through woodland towards Pishill, Bix and back to Henley on Thames
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The wild plants and animals on the walk were all signs of spring
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Centrica Arctic Challenge

The girls from Centrica are now in the Arctic as part of their Arctic challenge raising funds for Rosa Uk.
A Foot in the Chilterns trained them in Nordic walking in Windsor to prepare them for their adventure.

Thanks to Tom Waller of Luminous photography for some excellent photography of the sessions and to Windsor Racecourse for allowing us to use their grounds for training.

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We look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return.