Hedgerow & River

I bought a copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, a while ago for £1 from a charity book shop. It’s one of those titles that I’ve always meant to own and read but I never got around to it. In truth, I bought the book a few months ago but events conspired to whittle my time away until nothing was left for reading.

I picked it up again today and read the back cover first. Edith, the author, a young woman who was drawn outside almost every day to examine the nature on her doorstep. Who cycled around the lanes and countryside around her home and found Thrushes nesting in holly bushes, and green woodpeckers hammering in the distance.

Hang on, I thought. I could do that. My bike had a flat type (lack of use) so I fell at the first hurdle. But not to be put off, I set off down the lane with my camera in hand, and my beady eye at the ready. If there were Thrushes nesting in the holly, I would find them!

I didn’t find a thrush’s nest. But I was amazed at all the things I drive past, and occasionally walk past, every day. The clumps of Primroses clinging to the banks of the lanes.

The variety of colours that one plant can make from its leaves.

Ivy. Who knew?

Moss-covered stone tucked underneath a bridge.

The farmer’s horse keeping warm under his blanket.

A robin. Virtually, the only wildlife that I actually saw. Lots of rustling, tweeting and splashing going on as they disappeared from view but sightings – well, just this wee fella.

A fallen tree trunk that has been reclaimed by moss. Somehow it didn’t seem to fit. Like it should be on the seashore or somewhere like that. Everything else is so green and lush.

Epic trees.

And… back home for a steaming cup of coffee and to download my photos. I’m glad that I was inspired to look more closely at what’s outside my own front door.

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14 Comments on “Hedgerow & River”

  3. Those are really lovely pictures….. Not to take anything away from it but I always feel that she likely lived in such privilege that she could do it. I think of the other women who washed the laundry for her!

  7. Naomi – I agree she probably did have a lot of time on her hands. As I understand it she married but never had children which in itself means more you time! But the flipside is that society didn’t expect her to do anything and this would personally have driven me crazy. She clearly had talent but her work was discovered and published after her death. Privileged but really sad too.

  8. It’s incredible the beauty you can find, right outside your door and your pics are lovely. I like the way the book inspired you to find things you may not have ordinaringly looked for.

  9. It is amazing what we rush by without noticing!
    I can tell by your photos that you had a lovely walk!
    Happy Spring!
    Lea
    Lea’s Menagerie

  10. Thanks for sharing these photos. I love the little Robin going about his daily business.The moss-covered stone shows really well with that perspective. In Australia we get neight Robins nor moss (well, not to that degree anyway). I guess that makes the odd trip to the northern hemisphere just that much more special.

    Pavel.

  11. Beautiful pictures – there are so many beautiful things to see around us if we make the time to look
    Best wishes
    Maureen

  12. Stumbled on your blog whilst researching how to look after my raspberry canes. Loved this article & your pictures. As other folks have commented here, it is the little things that can bring so much pleasure if we would only take the time to pause, look and listen. Yesterday whilst out I saw a pussy willow bush just alive with the buzzing of busy bees. I made my day! I’m looking forward to reading your other articles.

  13. Nice snaps. Thanks for sharing these photos. Even I have a wonderful garden at my backyard and I always watch my plants growing healthier and happier.

  14. I so thoroughly enjoyed your post. It must be wonderful to live there.
    -Susan