High pressure’s building, its a bit grey but the clouds are shining, it’s a pleasant temperature, can’t wait to get out on the Downs for the Circular walk around Compton.

At 8:30 there is only one space left in front of the village shop, too early for coffee, must be all these
elderly men buying a  newspaper. Never the less we parked the car and headed off. Once in the first field walking away from the village it was clear that harvesting had started. For some time the Barley, in particular, seemed to be ready with a pronounced droop and it’s certainly been dry enough. This was the only field though, none anywhere nearby or on the way here.

This part of the Downs is particularly good for wild flowers which flourish in the rides through the woods as well as the field margins. There’s one particular field that’s full of colour and interest even though it’s not grazed. Today there’s some Marjoram growing along the edge in large clumps, maybe little flowers but pleasantly aromatic. On some of the paths the statuesque Great Mullen is growing, bold lances of yellow stabbing upwards.

In the middle of the walk it’s remarkably quiet, no traffic, no people, no planes, just a little birdsong to remind you where you are. In this remote area there’s a tractor left lying beside a wood shed. From the state of it a lot of work would be needed to get back in working order. It’s a Zetor, a name I’ve never encountered before at the country fairs we’re now missing, especially
Farming the old fashioned way.

Returning through the fields there’s plenty of sheep about; the lambs are now well grown. It’s a shame they dont understand footpaths, no matter how much care you take they always seem to take fright and move ahead but still on the path.