For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Tuesday 16 October 2007

William's High Weald Explorer. Tuesday 16 October 2007

"Professor" William Coleman hands out informative sheets and a map (latter courtesy of Tony Osmand) before setting out from Horam car park.

This 10 miles walk was one from the Mid Sussex Ramblers' program of walks. It was to be a botanical, mycological, historical, zoological and geological cornucopia. And we also got to drink some beer. The weather started off misty and drizzly and cleared up for a fine afternoon.


William spots a Honey fungus(?)

Here we are heading towards Warbleton church from Vines Cross. Click on the above panorama (or any other picture) to view it better.











Richard Woodman, an iron master from Warbleton, and other Protestants being burnt to death in Lewes for objecting to the return to Catholicism under Queen Mary.
Please see the blog entries for August for more pictures from Warbleton church and transcripts from Mr Woodman's trial. You can find the index if you scroll to the bottom of the blog.
(In October 2000 I played the part of Francis Nurse in Arthur Millar's "The Crucible" with the Cuckfield Dramatic Society. My innocent wife in the play got hung. As a consequence I have some special empathy with Richard Woodman and his innocent associates.)

















Happiness after a pub lunch at the Horse and Groom!
Are these donkeys descendents of Eyeore, one wonders.















Right is a newly emerged Stinkhorn fungus, Phallus impudicus, demonstrated here by Betty. Eventually it will smell of rotting flesh that can be detected from 20m.














Liverworts and ferns
The streams were a rusty colour on this day from the iron in the water.













Looking back towards Rushlake Green.










Janice has a sharp eye for fungi
and spotted this little beauty, the Porcelain mushroom, Oudemansiella mudica, growing on a dead beech branch.
Click on any pictures to enlarge.
This meadow at St Dunstan's Farm is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for the diversity of plants, having been farmed traditionally since 1935. It is used for research by students of Ecology and Biodiversity. William was one who did so.







When gorse is in flower, 'tis the month for kissing.











Old Heathfield Church by zoom lens. In 1606 the Rev. Robert Hunt, vicar of Heathfield, sailed with John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) and Captain Gosnold to America, 13 years before the Pilgrim Fathers. They were pioneering settlers.

We left the church following ancient droveways.




Shaggy Ink Cap or "Lawyers Wig" is also good to eat.









Below, the Cuckoo Trail on our way back to Horam.














Saturday 13 October 2007 Circular walk, 5 miles south of Hurstpierpoint

It was a misty day when Alison Glasheen lead this lovely walk to the south of Hurstpierpoint, passing by Danny House. The current house dates from 1593 and was rented by prime minister Lloyd George where the terms of the armistice were drafted. See http://www.dannyhouse.org.uk/history.html for further information.





See http://www.jillwindmill.org.uk/ for info' on the windmill, Jill.


















Monday 8 October 2007

For car enthusiasts

This is the view of my garage and the car which Carl Meek and my son James built in the past few months.

See http://www.megabusa.co.uk/ for the account of the building of this amazing car!

Spec's include;
0-60mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 128mph @ 10,800rpm in 6th gear

Sunday 7 October 2007

Sunday 7 October 2007. Pooh & Hartfield circular 8 miles "The Pooh Walk" lead by Ray and Alison

It was a misty morning as we set off from Gill's Lap car park in Ashdown Forest on a mission to rejuvenate our memories of Winnie the Pooh.

You can click on any picture to expand or print it.









Ray and Alison lead us to Pooh Bridge, where the game of Pooh sticks was played once again. This being a game for children of all ages!


































The despair when one's Pooh stick fails to emerge!









Ray & Alison plus "Sussexrambler" surrounded by "Sussexbeauties"










Possibly the only footpath sign in Sussex with Japanese writing.











Hartfield



























Views of Hartfield church, built around the middle of the 13th century. Info' source; Ray's notes which he generously prepares and hands out to the walkers. Click on the pictures to expand and scroll across.






















HIGH NOON... East of Hartfield!
The Caterpillar Walking Club are marching meaningfully across the meadow!
The Mid Sussex Ramblers boldly approach...

Will the approaching clubbers unleash their dogs?

Will their notoriously friendly border collies round up the defenceless Mid Sussex flock?
Courageous news reporter, SussexRambler is keeping well back to observe the unfolding situation from afar!











The parties march boldly onwards, getting ever closer!


















...ending in cordial greetings between like-minded folk.






















Later on, Piglet is bigger than I imagined.










A welcome 5 star refreshment break in Five Hundred Acre Wood on fine English oak furniture.


















Approaching Eeyore's sad and gloomy place.




















The two Alisons admiring holly berries.


















And to end a great day's walking what better than a pint of English bitter in the company of our charming leaders?









































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