The Amblers in Tribland

The Amblers have experienced a topsy-turvy summer weather-wise on Fridays, occasionally having to reschedule walks due to extreme daytime temperatures or, alternatively, having to wear waterproofs (only light showers, thankfully). More recently, just as we were expecting to need an extra layer, our climate has surprised us again by raising the temperatures once more. But you know us by now – whatever the weather, we just love to get out and enjoy the beauty of Tribland.

As anyone in the group will tell you, I am usually to be found bringing up the rear, as I stop so frequently to take photos of the landscape or things I spot by the wayside. When I recently saw the following quote from ‘October’ by John Clare, it really resonated with me:

‘Nature now spreads around, in dreary hue,
A pall to cover all that summer knew;
Yet, in the poet’s solitary way,
Some pleasing objects for his praise delay;
Something that makes him pause and turn again,
As every trifle will his eye detain…’

It’s true. A slight movement may catch my eye, a sudden flash of a contrasting colour, or a change in habitat which could indicate something new to be seen; any of these can make me ‘pause and turn again’. Serendipity can play a part as well – the right place at the right time – plus, some of my best insect shots were of flower heads, until I zoomed in later and discovered the insect’s presence.

We recently had a very pleasant stroll in Southey Woods – a favourite of ours, due to the broad avenue between the majestic and varied trees which, when the sun is out, is flooded with warmth and brightness. On this particular day, the sun was highlighting the foliage beautifully, causing us to lift our heads frequently. The clouds were sailing along overhead, but we did not feel any breezes, sheltered as we were, between the trees. A squirrel dashed across the path ahead and, further along, a herd of deer in procession followed their usual route, albeit a little more urgently due to our presence. Plant seed heads were evident, with ‘old man’s beard’ in frothy abundance, and the swaying grasses backlit and glowing. The leaf colours were just starting to change and the occasional bright red splashes, along with hawthorn and rosehip berries, added something jewel-like to contrast with the various shades of green from deciduous and fir trees. The smell from the latter was all around; that lovely, earthy, pine scent unlike anything else in nature. There was still the occasional wildflower to be seen – scabious, self-heal, teasel, ragwort and pink clover – with bees being attracted to the knapweed in particular. Red Admirals and dragonflies also attended. Magical.

However, not all of our enjoyment comes from the outdoors: we also had a very interesting visit to St John the Baptist Church in Barnack a few weeks ago. We learned about several historic features, and characters, from one of our members who is knowledgeable on such things, and were able to look at many details we may not otherwise have noticed. To mention a few: an ancient stone carving – ‘Christ in Majesty’; a unique font; beautiful stained glass windows, some testament to the tragic deaths of young sons in the Argles family, and some which incorporate William Morris-style leaf patterns; spectacular mosaics behind the altar with glowing golden backgrounds; an unusually domed porch; and a decorated coffin in the churchyard, featuring a reclining palm tree. It is well worth a visit!

So, as the year begins its journey towards its end, the Amblers want to say: Don’t be put off from getting out and about due to Nature’s pall in autumn. If you are prepared to look, despite the arrival of dreary hues there are still lots of trifles to detain your eyes. (Not to mention Christmas lights soon…) Enjoy!