It’s been a while since I walked along the lanes around here, but now I have had my back sorted out by the chiropractor and my foot on the way to recovery with a little help from the podiatrist I thought I’d start walking more again. Small steps first.
We have had a lot of rain. And gales. And more rain. The lanes are flooded and the trails around the hill are muddy and boggy and slippery so I decided to stay on the tarmac and have a wander down to the little woodland area that is about a mile or so from our house. Dead soggy leaves line the lane, with puddles for the unwary to step into.
Despite the hurricane force winds we experienced last week there were still some leaves on the trees which are mainly broadleaf natives such as beech, oak, ash, birch and field maples,
with some holly and hazel in the lower layers and a lot of moss, lichens, ferns and navelwort, not to mention ivy at ground level.
Several old branches of the trees had been broken off, presumably by the gales, and lay on the ground. And close to this gate leading into one of the many horse paddocks along this lane a large chunk of old tree trunk had been cut down.
I thought I might find some fungi, but didn’t, even though I did venture slightly into the wood. I really need to buy some wellies to explore further as the ground can be extremely boggy.
I love looking at the Cornish hedge in detail – because the lane runs downhill there are parts where the tree roots are practically at eye-level. Necklaces of pointy ivy wind their way up the mossy tree trunks and tiny ferns form frothy skirts at the base.
The beech trees add a splash of vibrant colour to the landscape with their chestnut brown leaves.
I thought Jo might like to be reminded of a proper English autumn walk even though this is very short by her standards! But rain was on the horizon and the Cornish mizzle was already starting to chill my bones. Time to head back home.
Cornwall in Colours 
Great photos! Is the lane the one going up to Trencrom?
It is – the one past the stables.
Thought so my father lived in the adjacent lane!
Beautiful images. A bit like here, it’s been wet and windy and everything is soggy. Still lovely though in those autumn colours.
Very similar conditions around here, Jude. Lots of leaves still on the trees, despite the winds.
Nice images indeed.
Best wishes, Pete. x
A bit TOO blustery to go out today! I’m sure we have much windier weather than we used to – even down here it has changed in the four winters I have lived here.
I have to say, you’re not tempting me! Even though some of the photos are very beautiful. I’m happy to admire from afar. The vines around here are a lovely autumn shade, and the roast chestnut man is on the street corners, in case I need any extra warmth. Many thanks, Jude. I appreciate your efforts 🙂 🙂
You’re a hard woman to please 🙄
Not at all! But cold and damp don’t do it 🙂 🙂 Are you offering hot chocolate?
I can do that if you like 😂
She is, isn’t she!
😅
😊
I love the mossy greens, but agree that they, combined with fallen leaves and mud, can be treacherous. That last picture is stunning.
The sun came out just for a moment in that last photo, highlighting the fields behind Hayle. Have you had any snow yet?
No, thank goodness, just heavy frost.
These forest pictures are superb! Much greener and more moss than here. Very pretty colors.
Lots of rain Fred! That’s why it is always so green!
Certainly more than here…
Lovely views of the trees with the yellow and green foliage. I’m regretting chopping down the Prunus now! I couldn’t do without my wellies.
Your post has made me feel quite good thanks Jude. Oh for some green and rain 🙂
I wish I could send you some pictures of our rain Brian, we have more than enough.
Thank Jude 🙂
Pictures? No idea how that word got in to the reply! I’m sure you remember what rain looks like!
and shall dance when rain arrives
Every one of these images are gorgeous Jude: and that sky is stunning. I love how you’ve focused in on the mosses and ferns too.
The first moss photo is my favourite. I love seeing all the things that grow at that level.
I totally get that. I went to Pukeiti [https://www.gardens.org.nz/taranaki-gardens/pukeiti/] which is all about rhododendrons, and came home with dozens of photos of little ferns 😄
Good to see you’re out and about more, Jude
Thanks Sue. Being in pain is not conducive to walking. But I hope to do more now.
Let’s hope so
Your undergrowth is like that in the Pacific Northwest. One of the changes I had to get used to in New England was the absence of that rich undergrowth.
Similar wet weather!