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.