An adventure

After a couple of days of relative idleness, I decided to explore some of the footpaths just to the north of Peterborough, doing a circuit from Marholm Church to Oxey and Hayes woods, then back along Woodcroft Lane. The sun shone brilliantly but there was just enough breeze to make it ideal walking weather.

My route didn't include any nature reserves but nevertheless I saw an amazing variety of plants. Sheets of bluebells and ramsons in the ancient woodlands, as well as a scatter of other indicator species including yellow archangel and early purple-orchid. Hedgerows with gnarled ancient oaks, and occasional sheets of goldilocks buttercup and greater stitchwort at the base of them and limestone verges with wild liquorice and restharrow. We're very lucky to have all this so close to home.