“Oh, to be in England, now that April’s there”

Spring has sprung! The blackthorn is blossoming, trees buds are unfurling, and daffodils and primroses are painting the landscape in vibrant hues. And the best part? I spotted my first bluebell today!

But keep your wellies on. April isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Showers abound, and the woods and fields are riddled with deep pools and gloop ...

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#NewtonWood #NorthYorkMoors #flora #NationalTrust

The graceful and capricious roe deer

I've had many close encounters with roe deer over the years. Many times have I disturbed them on my woodland runs and walks, just catching a glimpse as their bouncing white rumps quickly disappeared through the trees. Occasionally I've been lucky to get a closer look when the breeze has been In the right direction and they' ...

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#NewtonWood #NorthYorkMoors #RoseberryTopping #Capreoluscapreolus #fauna #NationalTrust

The Oak — from shipbuilding to fairies

Newton Wood is a predominately oak woodland below Roseberry Topping. Oak is known as the "King" of trees, with his consort being beech, the "Queen" of the woods.
There are two types of oak trees found in Newton Wood: Sessile and Pedunculate. Sessile oak is the more prevalent, with the oldest being located in the Cliff Ridge Wood end.
Pedunculate oak trees prefer ...

http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=31809

#NewtonWood #NorthYorkMoors #NationalTrust

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night”

Blackbirds are one of those enchanting creatures that we all seem to have a soft spot for. You can spot these feathered friends in all sorts of habitats, from woodlands to our gardens. Interestingly, blackbirds have been part of our cultural consciousness for centuries - just think of the famous nursery rhyme that dates back to medieval times! Legend ...

http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=31765

#NewtonWood #Blackbird #NationalTrust #Turdusmerula

Roseberry Mine Tramway

What a difference when the sun comes out.

An otherwise dull walk around a regular route of mine taking in Capt. Cook's Monument and Roseberry, although I avoided the summits as it's the weekend.

And crossing the field at the top of Thief Lane, brilliant sunshine. To my right, Roseberry was still in dar ...

http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=31575

#GreatAyton #NewtonWood #NorthYorkMoors #RoseberryTopping #industrialarchaeology #ironstonemining #NarrowGaugeRailway