Found

 

I've found the Summer, look, down there in Holmhill Bog.

Rain drops keep falling

It may well be summer, although in traditional British fashion it rained for most of our walk this morning, and quite heavily at points. Throughout the stands the forest's Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) had their heads bowed in gratitude.....well, either that or in submission. 

Hidden paths

 

Walking the Common's myriad paths at this time of year you need to be a believer, to have faith that the path exists and you're not just stumbling off into the undergrowth. The annual excess of summer growth has choked the place with a sea of verdant bracken raising to 6 or 7 feet. I love it like this. Although, the downside is you're assured of a soaking if you walk here early in the morning or shortly after a downpour.  

The canopy cometh

It's nearly canopy time, high above the buds of Oak crowns are on the brink of bursting forth. It's always lovely watching the buds form and burgeon on all the different trees. The oaks are often the last to the leaf party, their arrival marking the beginning of Spring's end and heralding Summer's approach. The season of dappled light will soon be with us.