The wind has dropped but the rain has started to fall, drizzle with bouts of heavier rain, just what’s needed to soak into the ground rather than run off it. It’s also high, or was at 7:30, but mid way between springs and neaps so not that high; enough to cover all the mud and leave a strand line of
dense weed festering all day.
The cattle are out grazing in Fishbourne Meadows, about a dozen black cows and heifers. They’ve either munched or trampled down many the over grown places so doing a good job of maintaining this as a traditional meadow. They’re clearly chosen to be tolerant of people that frequent the footpaths, in fact amazingly curious. This one wanted to follow us over the bridge without any concern about Bonnie or I.
The earth must have been reasonably soft under the dry surface as moles had been particularly active thrusting up earth, disturbing the wooden stepping bars that traverse the meadow.
Amongst the Mallow and thistles there were a few different flowers emerging, in particular the Meadow Sweet that’s appeared in the meadow in large frothy patches of creamy white. Close by there’s the striking, bright blue of the Meadow Clary with it’s distinctive square stem. Finally mention must be made of the huge Evening Primrose that’s
appeared along the path to the Church. Bold colours for a change after a fairly bland few days.