Daily Exercise and Filsham Reedbed

My daily  exercise this morning had me walking in a different direction, again with an early start, consequently, I saw very few other people, particularly on the way out, and the early part of my return journey. As for all days these days, maintaining at least 2 metres distance was essential and, yet again, it was very rare that anyone else got within 5 metres of me, as I zigzagged along the less quiet later segment of the route. Anyway, I walked westwards this morning to Combe Valley Countryside Park, reaching the edge by the seashore at Bulverhythe.

Then I cut inland, crossing the footbridge over the railway tracks, and then crossing the A259, and walked up to Combe Haven. I saw one young woman walking her 2 dogs, but we maintained over 10 metres between us, and with no social discourse, not me being unfriendly I can guarantee, honest guv! Anyway, I coped with being ignored from 10 metres away and turned north up on the west side of the Combe Haven river...

About 600 metres on I crossed the small bridge to reach the entrance to the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve. Being a member of the trust, and a regular visitor to this wonderful reserve, which is one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, I have written about the reserve quite frequently, for example when I wrote a blog last month about World Wetlands Day 2020.

The image above is a rarely seen view of an area of wetland in the reserve, indeed, I cannot remember ever seeing this! Why? Because the reeds are usually very tall here and obstruct the view. However, the trust appears to have cut back the reeds in recent maintenance, so there you are (a rarely seen view for you!).

Finally, I reached my turning point for the walk, the 'hide' in the reserve, at the end of a very easy to manage raised wooden walkway (keeps your feet dry too). Gorgeous and peaceful, indeed, perfect tranquility. On this visit I didn't actually see any rare birds (though I did see a pheasant fly across the river on my way back!), but the reserve is an important stopover for migrating birds, reed warblers, bearded tits and water rail are among the birds that breed here, and specialist insects and plants thrive here.

For information about the Sussex Wildlife Trust, or how to join, go to their website, or go to The Wildlife Trusts website.

Remember, at least 2 metres apart, and be respectful!

PS. I only saw 2 people I know today, on my way back to the town centre, and I spoke to them both from about 5 metres.

Hastings Country Park and the 'C' Virus

From East Hill

For some reason I appear to have many hours stuck indoors now, no-one to talk to (like many I live alone), and so, rather than bang my head against the wall, I am going to use some of that time to share the delights of Hastings and its environs, and to remind us all of our responsibilities in this Coronavirus related national, and international, crisis. Also, I am sharing the results of my personal form of exercise, very much alone, early in the day, staying "more than 2 metres from others" and, consequently, why I am now indoors for the rest of the day (BBC & Government website).

Rooftops of the Old Town

Luckily, walking is an accepted form of exercise as long as you remain at least 2 metres from others, as said above (website), also, since I had my fractured spine operated on near the beginning of the Millennium, I was advised by the Consultant Surgeon to take regular walks for the rest of my life, when possible. Therefore, I was out early this morning, from 06.00 hours, to avoid as many others as possible, however, it still didn't prevent me from waving at and speaking loudly across the road to, a young woman I regularly talk to near Pelham Crescent, whilst she walks her wee dog, and Paul, the main man for street cleaning in the Old Town, bless them both.

Then I walked up the East Hill steps, I met no-one else for ages, but I did spot these Primroses and Primula 'Wanda' (RHS website) just before meeting Barley Lane; I hadn't realised they are called Wanda until I looked them up when I reached home, all those years of ignorance... I then wandered to the East along Barley Lane, meeting a lovely woman along the way, and we had a wee chat from 7 or 8 yards apart (very socially acceptable now!); people really are coming together and not forgetting we're human, well, at least some are (coming together metaphorically).

The sounds of birds singing, including hearing my first woodpecker of the year, otherwise quiet and peaceful, and the lovely aroma of blossom in the air, it is difficult to impart how wonderful it was in writing. And, not too much further on, I met someone else who I know who works at Hastings Fishermen's Museum (older blog), walking with her husband and dog, it's a small world, well, small Hastings! Again, we kept respectfully apart, well over 5 metres, and exchanged pleasantries. Indeed, although, for the distance walked, I didn't meet many others on the way and way back, but we all ensured we kept well away from each other, never under 5 metres apart, exchanged our 'hellos' 'be carefuls' and 'keep wells' and it was all very heartening.

Warren Glen

So, Hastings Country Park nature reserve (website) is a wonderful piece of land to walk up to and cross, peaceful, respectful, and a delight to observe its beauty.

Oh yes, and there are Exmoor Ponies, and Belted Galloway Cattle too, well away from their natural homes, but apparently happy to abide in East Sussex! 😉 Older blog.

Who are you looking at?!?

So, I reached Fairlight, which was my turning round point today (under 4 miles each way), and yet another beautiful spot where Pre-Raphaelite artists, and their friends, eg Edward Lear (Lear, already an accomplished artist, was a student to the Pre-Raphaelite William Holman Hunt), visited and painted during the 19th century (blog).

I returned to Hastings, walking back down Barley Lane, and reached the retired lifeboat, Priscilla MacBean, which I haven't written about for a while (eg my first ever blog).

Then, soon after, I reached Cyril and Lilian Bishop, the hero and Ghost of Dunkirk, returned to Hastings in 2017 (blog) below All Saints Church.

To repeat myself, which I think is important at this time, we do need to ensure we maintain a responsible level of social distancing at all times. More importantly, if you are someone, or live with someone, who the Government has designated as a 'vulnerable person' you need to take note of the even more severe restrictions recommended. Please see the Government website for further advice, and stay safe folks.

I hope you have enjoyed the photographs I have shared today, and this blog.

Remember, please be careful!