Daily Nature Log: Felbrigg Hall

   Leaving Margaret happily settled in the Squire’s Pantry with a pot of tea and a cheese scone, I set off into the impressive National Trust grounds. The outdoor seating area was lively; a large Poodle strolled past, while a flock of bold jackdaws hopped between the tables scavenging for scraps—a cheeky role usually reserved for feral pigeons.
   I struck out across the great open field toward Felbrigg Lake, walking through a vibrant carpet of millions of yellow buttercups and purple clover. The livestock were absent, though they had left plenty of dried reminders behind. Seeing a fellow walker stoop to clean up after his brown spaniel, I thought to myself: ‘Ingrained habits are hard to resist.’

   My phone camera got a proper workout. I captured a fine patch of purple musk thistles by a stand of trees, a distant herd of sheep, and a solitary swan on the far side of the lake near a bed of bulrushes. I stood transfixed watching beautiful, shimmering blue damselflies skimming the water—later research identified them as male demoiselles. Amidst the nettles, large bird’s-foot-trefoil and blue speedwell grew in abundance, attracting a wonderful flurry of butterflies and moths. Loop complete, I headed back to the hall to rejoin Margaret at the pantry.
Activity Stats
Distance: 2.28 mil
Duration: 52 minutes
Google Fit: 22 Heart Points

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