A walk in the woods at Polesden Lacey

I met a friend of mine at Polesden today.  The sun was hot and we started walking down the hill and through the woods.

An Insect Hotel.. look just the ticket

This plant was everywhere and so pretty... if anyone can ID if for me I would be grateful?

  Gatekeeper I think?

The rose garden was full of colour and scent... wonderful...

This lady was a senior person in NADFAS and told us all about how they are creating replica costumes right down to the last detail, and using all the same materials, for later displaying at Polesden... the costumes will be worn by people walking around the house and grounds.

Warnham LNR - just a quick visit

Spent quite a lot of today down with Mum, but popped into Warnham LNR on the way home

A Mallard family dozed in the sun..

and a Blackbird sunbathed!

Was pleased to see two adult Great Crested Grebes with three young.  No sign of the 2nd family.....

Looked like 4 adult Terns and I'm sure a saw one chick... don't know if they're still more out there.. haven't been for a couple of weeks so a bit out of touch!

A pleasant visit albeit quiet at the feeders... not unusual for the time of the year!

A visit to Paycockes House & Garden, a Barn and a Vineyard

Where to today?  My turn to choose and Pete was happy to go to Paycockes.  I do like the house and the garden is always lovely.  It's one I could happily call my own and feel very at home there.  Lazy summer afternoons with a good book and a glass of something chilled and white.

In the car park..

And from there a very short distance away is Coggleshall Grange Barn.. fascinating... and a place I'd never visited before..

There were Archery demos and 'have a go' facilities... one of the presenters getting his gear out of his car !

 On the way back we called in at a 'new' vineyard. West Street Vineyard ... where a few purchases made... and a welcome, and very nice, cuppa drunk... and thanks for the pressie, Pete :)

A very pleasant time out :D