Insects at Paxton Pits

A selection of insects found on a recent stroll around Paxton Pits. 

Dockey Wood

On the last Sunday in April, I visited Dockey Wood on the Ashridge Estate. This is still the best bluebell wood that I know. Despite this I hadn't visited in many years. Not since before the fences went up.

At the height of the bluebell season this small wood can attract large numbers of visitors. This popularity was starting to impact on the bluebells. So a few years ago the National Trust enclosed the wood with a perimeter fence, accessed by a single gate. At peak times visitor numbers are controlled and an entrance charge is made for non-members. Within the wood, low rough wood fences delineate the paths. I fully understand the need for all of this. But the changes have removed what I considered the best viewpoint in the wood. An old cart track, which gave a lovely double lead-line, can no longer be seen.

Cowslips

This seems to have been a particularly good year for cowslips. I have seem them in abundance in every verge and hedgerow I have passed. These shots were taken over Easter, when I found a lovely big patch next to Grafham Water. 

Waresley Wood

I recently made my first trip to Waresley Wood in a couple of years. Last spring, Waresley, like many other local woods, had been closed due to heavy flooding. This year, thanks to the last couple of months being very dry, it's open. Waresley is usually a very good local wood to visit for bluebells. But not this year. I didn't see as many as I expected. A thick cover of Dog's Mercury was swamping the bluebells in many places. Luckily Waresley has a good offering of other spring flowers. Including Wood Violets, Wood Anemones, Primroses and Celandines. I also found, what I am pretty sure is, a False Oxlip (a Primrose Cowslip hybrid). The flowers on a true Oxlip should droop more.

A Fenman's Cottage

Following a change of plans last weekend, I found myself at Wicken Fen, without my longest lens. Seeking things to shoot, I looked around one of the old cottages, that has been restored to look like an Edwardian Fenman's cottage. I greatly enjoyed the details in each room, but my favourite was the tool shed.

 

Lent Bumps

Saturday 15th of March was the final day of the Lent Bumps. It was a very sunny (but surprising cold) day, so it seemed rude not to go and watch. Watching the Bumps involves a lot of waiting between races, interspersed with brief periods of manic activity. I managed to catch a couple of bumps (don't ask me who bumped who). In between, I tried to grab some portraits. I always enjoy the little ritual of the successful crews adorning themselves with greenery. As it was the final day, a couple of the very successful crews were also able to parade their comically over-sized college flags.

Leaves and Light

I know that not everyone likes green. But whenever I visit the glasshouses at the Botanic gardens, I am drawn to the variety of shapes and textures found in the leaves. This was a very sunny day, so I chose to concentrate on the light and shadows showing through the bigger leaves. A handy hole in one leaf, allowed me to focus on a leaf behind.