Today I did my usual walk to the Green Dragon pub at Cockleford. It's about 4 miles there and back....just a nice stretch to work up a sweat as part of my ongoing [unsuccessful] attempt to lose some weight! The Green Dragon is a 17 Century inn nestled next to the River Churn and is hidden away from the main road.
The furniture in the pub was all made by Robert Thompson, "The Mouse Man of Kilburn". He carves his trademark mice into the furniture he produces, including the gate in the car park!
The walk goes through fields along a track that is officially a road, through to Cockleford and the Green Dragon and back along the main road (A435) to Colesbourne. Walking down the main road is fun even if a bit dodgy at times. Eyes in the back of your head would be useful! Even though I was walking quite hard I still managed to see loads of wild flowers...too many to mention here...as well a number of butterflies and other critters. Here are a few pictures...
Meadow Crane's-bill
Pineapple Weed
Pyramidal Orchid
Common Centaury
Pineapple Weed and Common Centaury both have medicinal uses. Pineapple Weed has been used as an infusion to treat intestinal worms and also as a sedative. Common Centaury can be used as an infusion to treat arthritis and anaemia or in homeopathy it is given for liver and gall bladder ailments. It was worth the trip simply to see the Common Centaury, which I have not seen here for some time.The sun today also brought out some lovely butterflies, although it was a bit windy for easy photography. Anyway, here are a few....
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Marbled White and Meadow Brown (female)
Ringlet
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Meadow Brown (female)
I also saw these critters but have no idea what they are....pretty though!
Many of the flowers and butterflies shown above I saw on a piece of grassland forming a wide verge on the main road. It just goes to show that you do not necessarily have to go into the back of beyond to see wonderful wildlife. Walking down a main road does have its benefits!
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3 comments:
Hi Adgi
A nice mix of photos. You didn't show the pint of beer you had at the pub though! (-:
See you Thursday
love
Wren
Great post Adrian!
Loved the walk, flowers and critters! Have to agree with Jen though...I would like to see the pint in a dragon mug!!
Glad youre back!!
Jenny and Eve
Ha Ha! A pot of tea or coffee is all I have on these occasions! 10.00am is a bit early...even for me, a renowned beer drinker. I intend to spend some more time at the "verge" I mentioned - it's almost a nature reserve on its own.
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