Thursday August 1st. Down the lane to Chillington Hall, amongst the giant Oaks, on yet another hot day.
Friday August 2nd. With buddleia and other purple garden flowers now in full bloom, they are attracting more butterflies and bees.
Saturday August 3rd. Spot a Sparrowhawk on a neighbour’s roof before setting off into Shropshire. A walk up to the Hill Fort on the Wrekin, on a pleasant cooler morning. Good to get some elevation though the surface walking is tough.
Sunday August 4th. Anniversary apero at the Oakley Arms, watching the three Geese going for a swim. Well, two managed it!
Monday August 5th. First visit to Wrekin Edge, seeking a loop walk but very confusing signs on the upward tracks. On a very warm canal walk in the afternoon enjoy the Banded Demoiselle and Willowherb.
Tuesday August 6th. Walk to Belvide reservoir, exploring the dam area and visit a hide.
Wednesday August 7th. In the morning our walk finishes near the church whilst late afternoon means another visit to the Bescot stadium in Walsall to watch Villa play Athletico Madrid.
Friday August 9th. Visit Pendleford Mill nature reserve for the first time, enjoying the lake and shady, winding paths dappled with sunlight.
Sunday August 11th. Our Sunday circuit from the canal to the village, seeing pretty Common Fleabane in the field.
Monday August 12th. Build a pond in the back garden and see my first tiny froglet in the old pond.
Tuesday August 13th. Visit Shropshire Petal Fields for a flower bonanza! Amazing colours and displays.
Wednesday 14th August. Walk the stubble fields from Barnfield Sandbeds, on paths eroded by farm machinery.
Sunday August 18th. Our usual canal and village circuit listening to church bells and admiring the Rowan by the scout hut.
Monday August 19th. Another walk to the White Ladies Priory on a windy, autumn like day when harvesters combed the fields to beat the rain; yellow dust in grey. Walk part of the Monarch’s way.
Tuesday August 20th. Visit Sandwell Country Park, walking to the Swan Pool and seeing some majestic trees.
Wednesday August 21st. Longer new circuit from the canal enjoying the open, harvested fields.
Friday August 23rd. Walk to Belvide reservoir on a warm, breezy morning. Looking for Lesser Scaup but difficult to spot.
Saturday August 24th. Villa’s first home against Arsenal on a sunny evening. Mad atmosphere!
Monday 26th August. A family party back in Pudsey, at the Bankhouse Inn.
Wednesday August 28th. A regular garden visitor much to the alarm of the Sparrows. The Sparrowhawk!
Thursday August 29th. Visit Baggeridge Country Park for a very pleasant woodland and lake walk. Try to find reported Silver Washed Fritillary without any success. See and hear a lovely Chiffchaff though.
My favourite 12 for August 2024
