STROLLING THROUGH THE BLUEBELLS

On Sunday my friends and I went to the see the bluebells at Kings Wood in Kent.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/luwebdocsbykey/englandkentnoforestkingswood

It was not my first plan (which was to go to the Warren at Folkstone) but the weather had been so wet in the week leading up to the bank holiday we all decided on a change of venue.  Sunday was not a particularly nice day either but this is England and if we waited for the perfect day we would go nowhere and do nothing.

This was not the biggest puddle or the most mud we found.

All the puddles had to be assessed to see if crossing was viable by my young friend shown in this picture

 But although it was definitely on the cold side and extremely muddy the woods were very busy (so much so when we arrived we thought there was an organised event).

Going maybe a week earier might have shown us a better display of bluebells and a warmer day may have filled the air with perfume but I love walking in the woods at any time of year.  In spring there are so many different greens as leaves burst their buds.

Old mixed woodland like Kings Wood with its mix of trees - such as birch, beech and sweet chestnut are a joy to walk in. 

I love the way that time transforms the coppiced trees. 
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-52JBR7

BIG KENT WEEKEND

It is the BIG KENT WEEKEND.  This weekend 17 and 18 of march more than 120 attractions have donated tickets. We have tickets to EMMETTS GARDENS near Sevenoaks. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden/
I was a little worried that it may be a little early in the year to see much.  There is really not that much sign of life in our own garden (the ornamental cherries are just showing signs of bud) but we are on the top of a hill and often have a late start.

soon to be a mass of colour

There was so much already in bloom.  And the promise of more to come - like the carpet of bluebells throughout the woodland walk.  This is not a grassy bank just masses and masses of bluebells.

 The plants were clearly labelled.  I do like to know what I am admiring and as I am often too lazy to write names down being able to get clear pictures is very useful.


There were also lots of interesting stumps, rocks and fallen trees.  All of which I love.

The shapes are the kind of sculpture I would love to have.  And as a couple of years ago I finally learnt to draw I tend to take lots of pictures of the so I can try to paint them.