Swell Woods, Nature Reserve

 

Easter Monday, we visited Swell Woods, a Nature Reserve on the edge of the Somerset Levels.    As we parked up in the car park, many bird feeders were scattered in this area with Blue tits, Great tits & Nuthatches feeding frequently & consistently, allowing us to take our photos.

 

The Reserve had much to explore, with a circular woodland walk. . . .

Although the weather was a lovely day, maybe slightly chilly, the ground underfoot became rather different, but we did accomplish to do the full walk.

At one view point, we were able to look out over Sedgemoor, part of the Somerset Levels.

 

 

The woodland walk had much evidence of Fungi, wild flowers, lichens, pine cones, & even stray bird feathers. . .

One of the attractions to this reserve is the Herons that are taking up residence & nesting in the woodland, something which can be viewed from the specific Bird Hide that overlooks this.

Unfortunately, even though we had a good view point, & we had zoom lenses, the photos could not give us the close ups we would have liked.   But, it was interesting to watch their activities high up in the treetops.

A lovely afternoon, but still much more to explore, so we’ll be back!

100th Post

This is my 100th Posting! 

 Amazed, as this has been quite a journey since  my blog began  last July.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed progressing with all the post I’ve composed.

 

It’s made me far more aware of  everything I would usually take for granted,

 or not even take a second glance at sometimes.

  I think I’m much more appreciative of nature & certainly of my cameras!

Now, I am usually taking a camera with me at all times,

 as I’ve realised that you never now when it’s going to be needed.

A special friend of mine,
 gave me his DSLR Canon camera,
 as he was updating his before Christmas,
which I well appreciated!

So, as it was my 50th birthday this year,

 I treated myself to a Macro lens  to use with it.

I certainly have not looked back. 

  I am really enjoying photographing what interest me,

and look forward to going to new places,

 besides exploring my immediate surroundings.

 

I have also thoroughly enjoyed following other blogs. 

  I feel they offer other insights, 

 full of inspiration & friendship. 

  Long may this continue!

 

Thank You all for leaving your kind comments,

 I may not always acknowledge these comments,

 but I do  sincerely appreciate them!

Warm Shades

Beautiful Flowering Currant, a surperb show of colour.

Below, a lovely shade for the Camilla.

An absolutely stunning spectaclular for flower & colour combination

 for this time of year.

And what's this!?! A flower?

No, it's actually the flowerhead of a vegetable,

 Purple Sprouting.

Amazingingly,

 this is also outstanding!

Rural Viewing

Dunster is overlooked & dominated by its Castle,

which has been connected with the Luttrell family for centuries.

The castle, which originates from Saxon times,

 is now run by the National Trust.

The views from the castle grounds,

 boasts views of countryside comprising of open fields,

 woodland, hills & even the coast.

 The castle grounds has a host of trees,

 ranging from ancient Oaks to Fir trees laden with oversized cones.

I wonder how long they've been here? 

Posing

Discovered this Bumblebee last Thursday,

 during my visit to Dunster.

He was clinging onto the back of the Daffodil,

 & didn't even attempt to move.

The longer he stayed, the braver & closer I got.

Just amazing!

Beyond the Wall

A couple days ago,

I returned to Dunster, a small community,

 which has kept much of its old fashioned charm,

 such as its quaint cottages with cobbled pavements.

 Dunster can boast to having its own castle,

 which dominates as its built on a hill.

Whilst re-exploring the small town/village,

I made my way to  a walled garden,

which is overlooked by the neighbouring church.

The garden is surrounded by a very high wall,

 although fairly open in the centre, its surrounded by flowerbeds,

 and occasionaly,

you stumble across a partly secluded stone bench,

which has been well weathered with time.

The garden has other  similar stonework,

 a pillar supporting a Sundail,

birdbaths, & garden statues.

All, adding to the charm of this sheltered haven.

There are also plenty of benches to just sit & stare,

to take in the tranquility of this lovely place.

 Further character is added with a few ancient trees.

Either knarled & twisted,

or broken down to a tree stump,

 & left to weather the elements.

But, for other interest,

there is plenty of shrubs,

spring flowers.

 The traditional rose beds

still have to flourish,

 but this will wait until later into the year.

Here, I witnessed my first sighting of the season of a Magnolia flower,

 out in full bloom.

I have two of these beautiful trees in my garden,

although well budded, they have not reached this stage yet.

On preceeding through another walled area,

I came out to a round building called the Dovecote,

besides another older building. 

  In ancient times,

I believe this whole area use to be part of a nunnery.

A very enjoyable afternoon,

& most fortunate with the weather,

 as rain stayed away while exploring.

Finally, a perfect end,

a cream tea taken in Tessa's Cafe.

Well recommended!

Happy Easter

Enjoy Your Easter Weekend!

Below, a cross-stitch I created a few years ago,

 just for Easter.

Citrus Tones

More Daffodils & Primulas,

but I just love the tones of colour.

Celandine sneaking out

 of a crevice between a path & chipping.

Primula after the rain. . . .