Cley Marshes, Norfolk

On our way from Hickling to Holt we stopped at Cookies Crab Shop in Salthouse for a crab sarny, then onto the Cley cafe for a cup of coffee and a delicious brownie. At Cley Marshes, we saw Marsh Harrier, Avocets, Green Sandpiper, Bearded Reedling (nowhere near as obliging as those at Hickling Broad), and the reeds were full of nesting Warbler and Reed Bunting.

We only had the briefest of visits as we were on our way to check in with the lovely Viv at Willow House B&B in Holt, which we can highly recommend.

Here are a few more pics taken on our wander round the boardwalk.

Riverbank patterns and reflections

Whilst walking along the riverbank by Kirkstall Abbey, these spindly dried grass stems caught my eye, along with a female Mallard perched on a submerged branch.

St Chads lunchtime wander

Having seen little sunshine for the past few days I took the opportunity to meander down to St Chad's Churchyard at lunchtime. Having reviewed my pics it appears the wander was made up from a palette of greens and golds. Speckled Wood's greeted me at the entrance to the churchyard, three of them taking turns to challenge each other for prime position on sun splashed nettle and bramble leaves.



On the return walk these tall flowering grasses caught my eye.

Askham Bog

On our recent trip to Askham Bog, as well as the Water vole sighting there was plenty of interesting colourful vegetation. Here's a few snapshots. I especially like the ruby berries and red tinged leaves of the Guelder Rose, Viburnum opulus at the moment.

Arching purple panicles of the Common Reed.

Waterside reflections


10 x Speckled Wood butterflies, a few occasionally landed on the boardwalk.

One or two small parasol like cap & stem fungi growing near the boardwalk.