Spent yesterday in Temple Sowerby (see below), a small village in the Eden Valley (on the A66) six miles south-east of Penrith. Lovely summer’s day. Dozens of Swallows and House Martins feeding overhead and visiting nests in a barn and under cottage eaves respectively. Also watched a Spotted Flycatcher “snapping” flies from a perch high up in an Elm tree. Pied Wagtails, Blackbirds and House Sparrows also about.
The village green is surrounded by various trees including some interesting variegated Sycamores and three or four enormous Elms (all sadly showing signs of (?Dutch Elm) disease). The whole atmosphere of the village will change if these mighty trees are lost, not least because they muffle the sound of the busy A66 which passes a few streets away.
Interestingly, the red line on the map below may indicate a future bypass for the village. That would be very welcome, although the downside is that it means yet more countryside under tarmac.
Visited Penrith castle. More hirundines and other common birds. Horse Chestnut trees now at the fresh-looking, nearly ripened conker stage.
Later, walked some of the lanes north of Temple Sowerby. Typical laneside plants were Shepherd’s Purse, Cow Parsley, Yarrow, nettles, thistles and, surprisingly, Harebell. Damp fields covered with great swathes of Meadowsweet.
Fantastic views to Cross Fell.