Bluebells in Balcombe

The sun arrived - it's taken its time. So, Fred and I seized the day by jumping on a train to Norwood Junction, then to East Croydon and then to Balcombe. It took less than an hour! A short walk later and we were in the countryside by Anerley Reservoir. There we saw proof that the reservoir waters were low. Vegetation has started to grow on few feet of shore that would be covered by water if there wasn't a drought.

The days' walk was wonderful. I saw several species of butterfly, including a brimstone and an orange-tip. A pair of terns were seen swooping over the water catching insects. The wild flowers were blooming in their pinks, blues, yellows and whites. The bluebell woods were breathtaking.

We met a couple of Duke of Edinburgh groups trudging through the mud. We negotiated a field of horses together. These horses were very tall indeed - absolutely gorgeous, but a little intimidating. It turned out that they just wanted us to feed them the tasty, long grass on the other side of the fence.