A Walk Amongst the Woods and Wildlife at Felbrigg Hall

    A bright sun broke through after recent heavy rain as we visited Felbrigg Hall today. While Margaret headed for the Butler’s Pantry, I set out on my daily walk through the grounds and woodland pathways. The south-westerly wind kept things fresh, making the 16°C air feel closer to 14°C, but the shelter of the tall trees provided a welcome respite.

    The estate was teeming with life. In the nearby fields, a herd of brown cattle gorged on rich green grass while a lively flock of ewes and lambs grazed freely beside them. It was wonderful to see so many dog owners out, all respectfully keeping their companions on leads—from a pair of impressive Airedale Terriers and two small pugs to various spaniels, a retriever, and plenty of popular mixed breeds.

   Deep in the woods, jackdaws pecked at the pathways, blackbirds rustled through the leaf litter, and a lone crow sought cover in the canopy above. At a quiet crossroads, I paused to photograph an intriguing historical notice detailing ‘The Victory V’—a fascinating beech plantation designed to guide WWII aircrews safely home. Before heading back to join Margaret for a well-earned coffee, I caught the beautiful, mysterious song of a hidden thrush or blackbird, and captured some vibrant photos of foxgloves, poppies, and purple rhododendrons in a small garden.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.84 miles

Duration: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Google Fit: 24 heart points

Temperature: 16°C–17°C (Feels like 14°C)

Wind: South-westerly, 9–13 mph.

Copyright ©️ Text, photographs and videos Written by John Yeo – All rights reserved.

   With the air at 14°C to 17°C, fresh southwesterly winds and thundery showers meant it was firmly hat, gloves, and umbrella weather. My daily trek began at the town football ground, where ten corvids were busy feeding on the grass. Around the corner at the recreation ground, a cricket match was in full swing, yet a solitary, stoic rook still claimed the far end of the cemetery road. Nearby, the local Pitbull Terrier gave me his usual impassive stare from behind his garden fence.
   Inside the cemetery, I paused to photograph a stunning carpet of bird’s-foot trefoil mingled with red sheep’s sorrel.

   Ground patrol was active: a pair of blackbirds combed the path borders, corvids pecked at the turf, and a pair of wood pigeons clattered upward in alarm to settle on a nearby ledge.
   Leaving the cemetery, I passed the new public area by the care home—now a picturesque blanket of wild flowers well worth a photograph. After spotting a trio of feral pigeons ruling the leisure centre rooftop, I finished my loop, passing a man out walking a couple of cross-bred Pekingese-type dogs.
The Stats
Distance: 2.1 miles
Duration: 47 minutes
Fitness: 22 Google Fit Heart Points.

Copyright ©️ Text, photographs and videos Written by John Yeo – All rights reserved.