Board walking?

If you've not yet been to the boardwalk, or sampled the joys of Jackson's Coppice and the marsh, now is definitely the time to start. The coppice is easily found by going down The Rock (itself a geological delight), turning right and travelling along the road for around 300 metres. Climb up into the coppice, follow the winding path and enjoy the wildlife (someone regularly feeds the birds), the views and the bluebells - just sprouting now. Can you find the memorial stones? Have you discovered the wayside seats with inscriptions?

Then, back to the road and continue along until you see the field gate for the path to the boardwalk. It's not signed, but simply pass th

rough the gate (kissing is obligatory) then traverse the field down to the bottom left corner where another kissing gate (oh no!) leads you onto the boardwalk. You can do the full circuit, or come off halfway round by going down the steps, over the stile and out onto the main road, opposite the house on stilts. And we have a lovely gallery of photos, taken by Sarah and Webmaster right here.

Rising sap

Spring is definitely sprung. The grass is riz. The birdies? On the wing. We're now awaiting the swallows - then we'll know that summer is not too far away. There's a great feeling about striding along our lanes that only a few weeks ago were covered in ice. Now though, the snowdrops are fading after a triumphant return and the crocuses (croci?) are pushing up and the daffs are shouting their welcome to the new season. Don' it make yer feel good? Daffs courtesy of The Old Post Office and Crocuses courtesy of Rose Mount!

Mighty fallen

So, the two mighty trees that frame The Manor's drive have finally succumbed to the woodman's saw. Pollarded a couple of years ago, there was hope that they might continue their life a little longer, but the one nearest the entrance was too damaged to survive and now lies in slices in the drive. The magnificent thing about this particular tree is the way it grew through the railings that were adjacent to it. Quite a sight to behold. See this picture full size here.

The second tree is still bearing up, having lost more of its boughs, but it too is in the twilight of its years. When you consider that images in our historic buildings pictures show them quite clearly, you begin to realise how trees bridge the ages.

Snow! Sledging?

We're overdue some good sledging. It's snowing as I write, so here's hoping for sufficient snow overnight to keep us from commuting, and get us out on the Bishops Offley Alps.

Things that go bump in the day

It's that season again. As soon as the Christmas period is over, on with the bird scarers. The regular whump as they frighten off the pigeons can send you a little loopy. Last year's season went on well into the Spring and there were talks of revolution in the village. So why are these things needed? Simple answer - without them protecting the seedlings, the farmer can lose around £3000 per acre - just to feed the birds. Hardly tuppence a bag! So - we have to put up with the noise (give a thought for those who live right near the field - particularly the farmers themselves) and tough it out, for the sake of the crop.

What's your view?