Bluebell Heaven - 26th April 2022
Once again the weather gods were kind and on a beautiful sunny morning a select group of 19, together with 3 dogs assembled at the Royal Oak Car Park in Bere Regis for what was to be a most memorable ‘Bluebell Walk’.
The route took us out of Bere Regis to the picturesque village of Shitterton, up through ‘May’s Wood’ and onto the Black Hill Clump. We travelled along the ridge, taking in the views over Bere Regis and Briantspuddle. We then followed the track down through Turnerspuddle and on to pick up the River Piddle and follow it south.
After a coffee stop, with additional entertainment provided by Stuart on a tree swing near Throop, we returned to Turnerspuddle. Enroute we passed a veritable ‘carpet’ of Summer Snowflakes, a rare plant found in very limited locations. Further on we entered the wooded area to be greeted by hosts of Bluebells, Wood Anemones and beautiful Violets. The trail took us back over the Black Hill Clump and back down into Bere Regis, passing the watercress beds.
Throughout the walk we were treated to the serenades from Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, identified by our own ‘Percy Edwards’ in Malcom!
On our return a wonderful lunch was enjoyed by one and all in the Royal Oak.
Roddy Kilpatrick
