Constellations in the Woods

The meadow and wood and Charlton Common has been a godsend during this time but sometimes you need bluebells. So we went to Purdown and walked Long Wood and Hermitage Wood and Barn Wood in search of some. 

There were wood anemones too.

And celandines.

And owls.

The arch between Long Wood and Hermitage Wood

Lady Elizabeth Somerset's obelisk. She died aged 18 in 1760. She did not - repeat, did not - fall off her horse, contrary to what most Bristolians and Wikipedia will tell you. 

Cwtch has heard stories of her predecessor, Ted, jumping in the pond after ducks. (It's now a dog-free zone.) 

The Dower House

Duchess Lake and Stapleton beyond

There was a poignant moment on the way back to the car. A year and a week separates these photos. Same cherry tree, a slightly later, slightly cooler spring, a different stage of lockdown, a different dog.

And then, because we needed starry wild garlic, we went to Badock's Wood ...  

The bronze age round barrow

The River Trym

... but it's not fully blossoming yet, or at least wasn't when were there. Maybe we'll go back.