Wandlebury In Winter

Christmas has gone, but the calories linger on! So on a bright morning what could be better than to go out for a walk in the countryside, in Wandlebury Country Park to be precise.

Only one car in the car park when my brother and I arrived. But having wrapped up against the cold we turned our backs on the usual trails, crossed the road and headed for Little Trees Hill.

For very little effort we were rewarded with views across the city of Cambridge. We picked out all the famous landmarks and then puzzled over several new buildings which seem to have sprung up overnight.

Down the hill, back across the road and into the Wandlebury woods. I wrote in a recent post about the ability of trees to recover from seemingly catastrophic damage: here a tree has been blown down by wind at some time in the past and the trunk and branches have been removed by the wardens leaving just the root disc. But see how the remaining roots have sent up a squadron of straight poles which have survived despite two more trees having fallen on top of them.

Catkins in December which, along with the bright sunshine made it look like spring - even if it didn't exactly feel like it!

A gentle ascent through the trees led us to Ely Viewpoint where, as promised, Ely Cathedral could be seen dimly on the horizon.

Sauntering down the beech avenue, looking out for elusive Goldcrests that could be heard calling, but were tricky to spot.

And on to the Roman Road which, incidentally, is where Robert Macfarlane begins his journey along "The Old Ways", a book which should be on the shelves of anyone with an interest in the British countryside.

Frosty leaves could still be seen where the sun had failed to penetrate. A Blackcap sat rather dejectedly on an overhanging branch. You never used to see these little warblers in winter but now, thanks to global warming perhaps, they're a much more common sight. This one looked as if he might be regretting the decision!

Then it was time to turn back through the woodlands and meadows of the Country Park. At the car park, which was now almost full, we were approached by an enthusiastic birdwatcher.
"Where are you off to now?" he enquired.
"Home for dinner!"

Take care.