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A trip to Corfe castle and perhaps Studland was planned for today. The images of the castle were not that spectacular I am afraid on the day but we returned another day to get some better ones Another image, actually taken next day when we passed through on the way to Studland. The Swanage Railway steam train passed through while we were watching a falconry display at the castle.  Apparently, there are five steam engines on the line including the Battle of Britain Class Manston and these are regularly rotated so there is always something new to see. About ten special trains a year visit Corfe Castle and Swanage from the rest of England using mainline steam engines.  You have to marvel at the feat of operating this 6-mile line. When British Railways closed it in 1972 everything was taken away. Volunteers have rebuilt every metre of track and a lot more besides and nearly 600 volunteers keep the railway going. Hopes remain high that a regular service wi...

The start of our holiday in Dorset included a journey through the New Forest on the way to our destination and base for the week. A stop in the forest for lunch, and we came across this unusual object - The Portuguese Fireplace The Portuguese Fireplace can be found by the roadside close to Millyford Bridge - 2 kilometres (1¼ miles) from Emery Down, near Lyndhurst, beside the minor road leading towards the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. A plaque explains the presence of the Portuguese Fireplace: ’This is the site of a hutted camp occupied by a Portuguese army unit during the First World War. This unit assisted the depleted local labour force in producing timber for the war effort. The Forestry Commission have retained this fireplace from the cookhouse as a memorial to the men who lived and worked here and acknowledge the financial assistance of the Portuguese Government in its renovation.’ Nearby, a New Forest Pony. Great to this iconic creature on passing throug...

A visit to Framlingham Castle, as we thought Izobelle might be interested - it's amazing the variety of things which grab her interest, and long may it last. Actually, these first three images were taken on a previous visit and I have not included them in a previous post.  Framlingham castle was built by the Bigods, a powerful Norman family in the 12th century. The first stone buildings at the site were probably the work of Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk (d. 1177). But it was under his successor, Roger Bigod II (d. 1221), that the huge stone curtain walls we see today were built. In 1213 Roger Bigod II entertained King John at the castle. But by 1215 relations had soured - Roger, along with 25 other barons, challenged the high military taxes levied by King John and forced him to accept the Magna Carta. Enraged, John laid siege to Framlingham in 1216. After two days, the castle surrendered. This loss of the castle was only temporary however - it was later restored to t...

In the fields and on the roadsides can be seen a huge variety of beautiful flowers. It seems to be a policy these days to sow the roadsides with insect loving flowers - something I really appreciate. One of my favourite displays these days is of the Ox-eye Daisy which has made the roadside verges around Stowmarket and Hadleigh, really beautiful. Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens. There appears to be a large number of them this year. Wild Orchid on Ballard Down Another poppy, this time the Yellow horned-poppy Glucium flavum.  Red Clover Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) to finnish with, just a glimpse of the beautiful plant life around this month Home      Forward       Back ...

What about a try at Glamping? Well, it sounded fun so why not give it a try? So off to the heart of Sussex, and here are a few images of the first couple of days. Our Bluebell Shepherds Hut on the Wapsbourne Manor Farm campsite (Wowo for short) in Sheffield Park, Uckfield - the heart of Sussex. Near enough to Winnie the Pooh country, which was the main reason for visiting this part of the country, and also to enjoy other parts of the Ashdown forest. Some views of the interior of our Shepherds Hus, cramped, but on a lovely site. The site was quite empty while we were there, but could cater for a large number of people with facilities for workshops and concerts etc.  There were all sorts of vans to hire, this being one of the many dotted around the site.  Site of A A Milne memorial  We followed one particular walk in the Ashdown Forest to see some of the places associated with Winnie the Pooh, but were a bit disappointed as they w...

Rendlesham Forest is a great place for walks if you want to get closer to nature. It is a place we visit most years and today the family descended onto the forest to see what fun could be had. One of the first things we tried was rounders, with pine cones being the ball - great fun! Emily tries her hand at another game on site. Even the adults are allowed to be a bit silly Emily in playful mood. Emily was very good on the zip wire. Izobelle needed a help from mum but loved it anyway. Finally we all sat down to a well deserved picnic. A great day which everybody appeared to enjoy. Home     Forward     Back