There was, however, a riot of blackthorn on the banks of the Frome, like a punch-up at a white wedding. It was spectacular.
the hillfort
blackbirds nesting
Snuff Mills, a couple of miles downstream, also hasn't been inundated with bluebells ...
... but high on the slopes of Wickham Glen there was a lovely display that was well worth the scramble up vertiginous paths.
And down by the Frome, swans and a little egret.
Look, Mam, it's they flappy hissy things again!
Eastville Park Lake
Further west, on the River Trym, is Badock's Wood, which I always think of as a garlic wood, but it had a decent display of bluebells this spring ...
Fungi
hoggin, some double-sided, and an old bottle
... as did the extensive woods at Blaise ...
... but it was Purdown where we went most often, bathing in that gorgeous purple-blue. (Apologies for the photo-bombing Cwtch, who just can't help herself.)
Other flowers have been available and they have included, clockwise from top left: hogweed; dead nettles; dandelions and forget-me-nots; wood anemones, celandines and bluebells; cuckoo flowers (or lady's smock); herb Robert; cow parsley; honesty; jack-by-the-hedge; whitethorn; wood speedwell; pink wood anemone and celandines
Fungi
hoggin, some double-sided, and an old bottle
There was a small, non-bluebell-related adventure in Long Wood on Purdown when Cwtch and I discovered a log that was still burning from the previous night, and called the fire service to report it. It was, apparently, a good shout, given there were flames and all.
Attention now turning to wild garlic and cow parsley and, hopefully, a visit to see some snake's head fritillaries. More anon.
