Spring is here

Another beautiful day in the forest.We walked from Bratley View. it was a little windy in the carpark but once we got down in the valley we were sheltered and warmed by the sun. We decided to follow the little stream and we were able to walk all the way along it, occasionally swopping banks to avoid the boggy areas. it was a day for seeing the deer, at one point two little roe deer jumped across the stream in front of us and then shortly afterwards we disturbed a large herd of Fallow deer. As we came back up the hill annother herd of fallow deer shot out and circled round. We found lots of primroses on the banks of the stream although many were still in bud.We saw plenty of ponies , but no foals today, however it won't be long now before more are born and there will be plenty to see.

A group of ponies resting in the sun

The loneseome Scots Pine

Fallow deer running


Primroses on the banks of Bratley water.

Happy Birthday Taivas

Today Taivas is 2!
We went To Cadmans pond to start our walk today. It was much colder than it has been, although the sun did try and come out, but now it is raining. As we were walking down by the stream we saw the first foal on Ragged Boys Hill. We quickly put the dogs on the lead and got close enough to take some photos with the telephoto lens. We did not want to disturb it and soon we continued on our walk going up to Fritham Plain before returning to the car. We put the dogs in the car and then went to see the geese on the pond. Someone was feeding them bread and the Golden Carp in the pond were coming to the surface to snatch the bread. I knew there were fish in the pond but had never managed to photograph one before.

Finally we saw a little foal , we couldn't get too near as we did not want to frighten it.This is my 3000 post , I am glad it is of a foal.

Whilst we were watching the geese, some one was throwing bread into the pond and these big golden carp were coming to the surface to eat it. I was surprised tht I managed to catch one.

An Evening Stroll

This evening we decided to have a quick walk from the carpark at Canadian Cross. The sun was in and out behind the clouds and it was quite chilly. But the setting sun was very pretty. When we got to the pond on Mogshade hill, this pony was eating the pond weed, he was amusing to watch as he was putting his head righ under to get it. Several othe photographers wer up there with their tripods setting up to catch the suns reflection in the water.












On the way home we stopped off at Cadmans Pond to catch the last of the sunset. The geese were loudly honking as they circled the pond, deciding where to spend the night.

From the carpark at Canadian Cross
Mogshade Hill
Pond on Mogshade hill
Trees at Mogshade hill

We stopped by Cadmans pond to watch the sunset on our way home

Missy usually has something in her mouth

Missy Mosaic
Originally uploaded by Missy2004.

Faces of Raffles

Raffles Mosiac
Originally uploaded by Missy2004.

Enjoying the Spring Sunshine

This morning was a perfect Spring morning. warm sunshine and just the slightest of breezes.We drove down to the High Corner Inn. This is a 17Century Inn, the only way to get there is to drive about 3/4 mile down a gravel track. the setting is beautiful and it is a good place to start a walk. We decided to stroll along the banks of Dockens Water and look for primroses. It took a while but eventually we spotted some. It was such a lovely day we continued to stroll along the water, whilst the dogs had fun splashing in and out. Once we saw a Roe deer hoping off in the distance. All around the birds were singing and we saw the Yellow brimstone butterflies flitting about, but never staying still for a photo. Eventually we left the stream and strolled back through the woods. We saw the young bluebell shoots were pushing through the ground, but it is still a little early for many of our spring flowers.

Two more cute little calves we met on our walk.

Along the banks of Dockens water

Splash bridge

Primroses on the bank of Dockens water

The Sky this evening

The lighter evenings mean we can take a walk in the forest when John comes home from work.

The garden is coming to life.

The daffodils are nearly over, but splashes of colour are appearing in the garden. The little cherry tree is covered in blossom and primulas are well out with their vibrant colours. The lilac and clematis will soon be flowering and winter seems finally to be over.

A beautiful sunny morning , just right for walking in the forest. We went to Busketts this morning and strolled along the stream. As I got the dogs back in the car this Pony suddnely appeared through the Holly bushes and said BOO!

British Summer Time Starts Today!

It was my turn to choose a photo for the Down Under Challenge Group on Flickr, this weekend and I choose one of Missy as a puppy in the garden. Here is my version.
Clicking on the Title of this post will take you to the group page where others will add their versions in the next couple of days!

First day of British Summer Time

It was the First day of British Summer Time today, but no one told the sun and he was very late getting up! it was very Misty when we walked at Fritham this morning and it did not feel like summer! But at least now it will be light until 7.30 tnight and soon we will be able to take the dogs for forest walks when John gets home from work. Hope you all remembered to put the clocks forward an hour!

A Dull Overcast Saturday

Today has been dull and Overcast, with a bittely cold wind. This morning we walked at Mogshade Hill. When we got to the pond we met a small herd of cows who watched us intently, they obviously thought we were up to no good.
This afternoon we walked at Pigbush, it was even duller than this morning. It was very quiet and very few people were out. A few Ponies were around but still no foals.

Bridge at Pigbush

Forest path at Pigbush

Forest view on a dull afternoon

Cows at Mogshade Hill

A Mosaic to celebrate Forest Walks Second Birthday. Thank you for visiting and leaving comments and for allowing me to share your lives and homes on your blogs.

A walk at Ocknell Pond

It was very dull and drizzly , first thng this morning but as we started walking the Sun came out and the skies cleared. Apart from a very cold wind, it was pleasnt walking. Ocknell pond is very shallow and soon dries up in the summer. This morning the levels were very low and it was not much more than a big puddle . Some ponies were eating the pond weed and having a good feast. Although we saw a lot of ponies , we have yet to see the first foal of spring.
Missy found another big bone and carried it for a while but when her ball came out of my pocket she lost interest in the bone, prefering to play with her ball.

We came across this little group of Shetland ponies on our walk this morning they are much smaller and stoclier than the new Forest ponies.