Autumn

 

Early morning Holmesley Bog had a proper autumn feel.

Anthonys' Bee Bottom

Looking down over Anthonys' Bee Bottom and Holmesley Bog from Turf Hill the forest was a bit overcast and moody this morning, though the sun trying to breakthrough showed the potential for better to come.

Shappen Bottom

Shappen Bottom. A finger of bog and carr filling a shallow valley off Holmsley Bog, with Slap Wood in the distance. 

Holmsley Bog

Where ever you look evidence of the success of the stream restoration program is clear to see. I regularly comment on how the slower transit of water through the Forests' waterways is changing the nature of its' streams and their environs; it's also invigorated their watersheds too, where the Forests' bogs and mires are looking healthy. Which is a good thing.  These are rare environments. The Forests' shallow valley wetlands represent 80% of those in Lowland England.

Old embankment

We were back walking the old Brackenhurst to Ringwood line again this morning, the embanked section between Holmsley Station and Holmsley Passage, through Holmsley Bog.  

The old line

We took the opportunity of a sunny, and for the most part windless, day to roam beyond the stands. And glorious it was. Part of our walk followed the old Brockenhurst to Ringwood line as it threads the edge of Homlsley Bog; it must've been a wonderful journey in its' day, at no point without splendid views. Crazy to consider the extent of the affordable integrated public transport network we once enjoyed, as compared with the woefully fragmented, often expensive, excuse we endure today. Good social infrastructure is essential, especially if we want change.