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 31 March 2009

Chichester Canal to Harbour

Narrow boat owner and canal enthusiast as well as Mid Sussex Ramblers' walk leader,
Steve lead this fascinating 10 miles walk along the canal to Chichester harbour and
back to the train station via Dell Quay and Fishbourne.
Click on the above picture for the history of the canal and any other to expand.
Steve explaining the history of the harbour at Chichester and its canal link to the sea.
Here is Peter, standing proudly in front of his Bantom tug,
which needs just a little renovation as you can see below.
Click this link Bantom Tugs for more info'.







Turner painted his picture of the cathedral from this bridge.
The power cables were not here then.
http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/thumbnail/75483/1/Chichester-Canal.jpg

Steve explaining the reasons for this canal - fear of attack from the French navy on
commercial shipping - and its route from the great dockyards of Portsmouth to Chatham.




Baby coots were everywhere. There was a coots nest
every 18 meters or so along this stretch of the canal.




A pair of the 7-8,000 Tufted ducks, which start nesting in May in the UK according to the RSPB


Salterns lock



Butchers broom, Ruscus aculeatus, an indicator of ancient woodlands was
common in this stretch of woodland along the harbour edge.

There are lovely views of the cathedral during this walk,
especially as we approached Dell Quay.




Happy Ramblers lined up for picnic lunch at Dell Quay.

A solitary little egret



Many thanks Steve for this informative and highly enjoyable ramble, with NO stiles or hills!

Saturday 21 March 2009

Horsted Keynes, Highbrook, Ludwell Spring circular walk

Looking towards Highbrook church on the hill top.
During this 6.5 miles walk we saw 6 buzzards, one flying low over a field and into a wood on the edge of Horsted Keynes.
Train spotting ramblers

The leader for the day

The water mill is unusual in that the water flows over the wheel rather than under. There has been a mill on this site for a thousand years. See www.horstedkeynes.com



Grass mower Horsted Keynes style.
Ludwell spring

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