In the bluebell wood

It was early evening when I walked up the hill, and the light was low under an overcast sky, but I couldn't resist the open gate into the bluebell wood. K and S have done some clearing since last year, when I was last there: dead wood has been removed, paths renewed with wood and bark chippings, and the views across the expanse of bluebells felt more open than I remembered. It's a wonderful place and felt so good to be there. There are many beautiful old trees, and I love the way the paths wind between and beneath them. I walked through the wood to the gate into the hilltop meadow, then continued along the hill and down through the village, with cherry blossom in the gardens and buds opening on the new little fruit trees in the community orchard on the green.