Snow in the park..

We have had rather thick snowfall over night so it gave the opportunity of a snowy walk in Mesnes Park this morning.

Just in the right place at the right time to see this small gaggle of geese fly over the fountain.

Through the trees to the Pavilion

Rather chilly for sitting today

January brings the snow

makes our feet and fingers glow....

Bluebell Woods.....

A quiet stroll two minutes from home took us

 to

Winstanley Hall

Built in 1560 is one of only three Tudor houses in the 

Wigan borough

 In the grounds are the most perfect 

bluebell woods.

Sadly, the hall isn't accessible to the public but the bluebells

can be seen by poking your camera lens over the gap in the stone wall.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the common bluebell which is frequently found in ancient woodland. It is a protected species in the UK and is classified as one of our favourite flowers.

I didn't trespass and no bluebells were damaged in taking these shots.

*~*~*

Away with the fairies...

Fairy Glen in Appley Bridge, West Lancashire is designated as a Biological Heritage Site for its ancient woodland of oak, birch, ash and alder, the woodland floor may be covered with bluebells, wild garlic, marsh marigolds, ferns, and red campion.

Birch

Marsh Marigold

Ferns , Celandines and Bluebells

Sprodley Brook

The waters of Sprodley Brook have, over time, cut down through the underlying sandstone to create the steep Fairy Glen valley, which has spectacular waterfalls and cliff faces.

Sandstone Cliff

Spectacular waterfalls

A carpet of bluebells

Tree patterns in the Spring sunshine

The scent of bluebells and wild garlic conjure up an ancient place of magic and mystery.

And there is always the possibility of a fairy passing by....

"And as the seasons come and go, here's something you might like to know. There are fairies everywhere: under bushes, in the air, playing games just like you play, singing through their busy day. So listen, touch, and look around - in the air and on the ground. And if you watch all nature's things, you might just see a fairy's wing."

 ~Author Unknown ~

*~*~*

A walk in the wild, wild wood....

Awake! arise! and come away!

To the wild woods and the plains;

And the pools where winter rains

Image all their roof of leaves;

Where the pine its garland weaves

Of sapless green and ivy dun

Round stems that never kiss the sun

Away, away, from men and towns,
To the wild wood and the downs-
To the silent wilderness
Where the soul need not repress
Its music lest it should not find
An echo in another's mind,
While the touch of Nature's art
Harmonizes heart to heart

Poem taken from

 The Invitation by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1792-1882

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Pictures Haigh Plantations
Wigan
Lancashire