Feed the birds

 We didn't expect to find these sunflowers on our walk today, but this farmer had set aside a large corner of his field for wild life.
All sorts of flowers and plants full of seeds for the birds to feast on this winter.

A glorious day, yet again. We decided to try out a walk we had seen in the Yorkshire Post yesterday.
Starting at the village of Ebberston  ( see map) Just off the A 170, Pickering to Scarborough road. We have driven along this road scores of times, and never noticed the village.
The walk took us first through Chafer Wood, ( leased to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) and to a cairn . Erected in 1790 to celebrate the memory of King Alchfrid , King of Northumbria, who in AD704 rested here after being wounded in a battle. The injured king was then taken to Little Driffield , where he died, and is buried in the churchyard.   
We then came out into open farmland, with glorious views over to the Wolds, and is where we saw the farmer tossing the straw. ( See extra photo)
It was in the corner of his field where we saw the sunflowers.

We came back through another part of Chafer Wood, Described as a sunken footpath in an enchanting wood, leading through glades and dells.
Well it might have been a foot path once, but most had been washed away in last winter's rain. It was  like the bed of a small stream. (Thankfully dried up) Very stony, slippy, narrow, deep, and full of dead branches, nettles, and brambles. However we got through it without breaking or twisting an ankle!
Back near the start, we found a good bench with a nice view, which is where we ate our lunch. It was so good to sit down!

Then is was another half mile to the church, which is at the foot of Kirkdale - the site of the former village. It is a charming church, of Norman origin, with Norman pillars and font, and many beautiful stained  glass windows. ( see extras)

Behind is Ebberston Hall, built in 1718 in the style of a  palladian villa. It's said to be the smallest stately home in the country.
Not sure who lives there now, but it was lovely. ( see extra photo)

What a grand day out.
 Walked 4 miles. Lovely warm sunshine, and a nice little breeze.
 Didn't have any hold-ups on the road.
Now enjoying a nice cuppa.
Hope this weather lasts a bit longer!