#Woodland Management Gloucestershire

[grandmaster-anne]

LIFE AT GATCOMBE PARK: Country Life was granted an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look into Princess Anne’s life at her Gloucestershire home.

Country Life | Published 29 July 2020

Guest-Edited by HRH The Princess Royal

The Princess says: ‘There are so many different parts of Gatcombe and that’s the best thing about it. It’s a proper mixed farm—not that we were looking to farm, in the beginning!’

GATCOMBE PARK is inhabited by curious Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs that like to watch dressage, elegant, sooty-nosed White Park cattle, a matronly Suffolk filly, bustling Buff Orpington hens and their feisty cockerel and venerable grazing Wiltshire Horn sheep that resemble the inhabitants of a pastoral scene from a Thomas Hardy novel. Britain’s endlessly diverse, entertaining and genetically crucial native farm animals have long owed a great deal to the agricultural interests of the Royal Family.

The idea of improving livestock dates back centuries, but it was during Queen Victoria’s reign that enthusiasm for breed societies, official studbooks and competing at agricultural shows really took off and, ever since, British livestock breeds have benefited from knowledgeable, close royal interest and loyalty.

The Queen Mother presided over the North Country Cheviot Sheep Society and, with George VI, the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society —she kept and bred both breeds at her Castle of Mey farm in Caithness. The Queen, who succeeded her mother as president of the Highland Cattle Society, bestows royal patronage on, among others, the Ayrshire and Jersey cattle societies. The Prince of Wales is president of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and patron of The Poultry Club of Great Britain.

Some 30 of The Princess Royal’s 200-plus charitable patronages relate to animals and her 500-acre estate in Gloucestershire, which was formerly a dairy farm and has only a small nucleus of modest agricultural buildings, showcases an eclectic collection of sometimes neglected breeds, all organically reared and grass fed.

Their presence is a necessity: although the valley pastureland looks the rural, bucolic idyll, Cotswold brash does not make for rich arable soil and, as The Princess points out, turning organic with hardy livestock breeds, the meat from which is chiefly sold locally, was the only economically viable option. She also observes that cattle farming here isn’t easy, due to a local abundance of badgers.

‘Organic has become a more difficult market over the years,’ she discerns. ‘I think perhaps the emphasis now is more on buying local and in looking after your soil. We have to keep finding more imaginative uses for land.’

Part of the estate is farmed under the Government’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme, through which farmers receive payments for delivering conservation benefits, such as wildflower margins—these schemes terminate at the end of the Brexit transition period in 2022.

About half is woodland—a glorious mix of broadleaf species with plenty of beech—managed by Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (My Week, page 78). There is a modest pheasant shoot and a partridge shoot overseen by The Princess’s son, Peter Phillips. He is also the director of the annual Festival of British Eventing, which should have been taking place here next week, but, as have most sporting events this summer, has sadly had to be cancelled.

The crowds of picnicking cross-country spectators are, more than anyone, familiar with the pleasingly shaped ashlar limestone house that forms a graceful backdrop to the horse trials at the head of the valley, overseeing the thrills and spills in the water fences around the ponds below.

A successful clothier, Edward Sheppard, signalled his prosperity by having the house built on the old manors of Avening and Minchinhampton between 1771 and 1774 by Francis Franklin of Chalford. The familiar conservatory—as well as the polygonal stables and coach house—was added by George Basevi in the early 19th century, when the property was acquired by the wealthy MP and influential political economist David Ricardo, in whose family it remained until 1937. Gatcombe has been the home of The Princess Royal since 1976.

The pigs

TRADITIONALLY, horses are not fans of pigs and, at horse-trials time, there are requests for the Gloucestershire Old Spots (GOS) to be kept away from the dressage arenas—although, as The Princess points out, it’s good for horses to learn to behave and riders to manage them. One day, a porcine group managed to make its way towards the action, grunting curiously: ‘Then, suddenly, something startled them and they scattered in all directions,’ recalls The Princess. ‘It was hysterical. They’re very chatty.’

Owners of highly strung horses need not worry too much, however. The cheerful pigs mainly live in woodland, where it’s shady in summer and there are enough holes and dips in the ground to shelter them from winter winds whistling overhead. The GOS also has a distinctive layer of back fat, which not only lends succulence and flavour to the meat, but keeps out the chill.

As with the cattle, the difficulty is in maintaining bloodlines—there are only four GOS boar lines in the country. ‘The original idea was to do weaners, but there weren’t enough around and we had to go back to breeding our own,’ notes farm manager Sam Stevens. ‘We found ourselves going as far as Cheshire for a pedigree boar.’

The GOS originated not far from Gatcombe in the cider and perry orchards of the Berkeley Vale and also has been dubbed the orchard pig—the spots were said to be bruises from falling apples—as well as the cottager’s pig. It was the first animal to have its meat awarded Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status by the EU, yet the breed is classified by the RBST as ‘at risk’, with fewer than 500 breeding sows in the country. The Princess is patron of the breed club.

The chickens

A TINY corner of the estate is given over to a flock of Buff Orpington hens and an imperious cockerel. ‘My grandmother kept them,’ explains The Princess. ‘They’re not overly prolific layers, but when they do, they produce big eggs.’

The majestic Buff Orpington, its golden plumage not far from the honey shade of some Cotswold stone, is a popular country-house chicken for its ornamental good looks, pleasingly solid shape and friendly, biddable nature.

The Orpington was greeted with great acclaim from poultry fanciers when first revealed, in 1886, by William Cook, a coachman from the eponymous Kent town. Poultry showing and fancy fowl, the more exotic the better, were big interests at the time, but the trend was also moving towards practicality and the Orpington bridged the gap between ornament and egg producer.

The cattle

A FEW Highland cattle inhabit Gatcombe Park—these endearingly shaggy-fringed beasts are now frequently seen south of the Scottish border, thanks to their rising usefulness as conservation grazers—but The Princess has long been a champion of the White Park. Classified ‘minority’ on the RBST watchlist (there are some 950 breeding females in the country), the White Park is thought to be Britain’s most ancient native cattle, with records dating back at least to the 10th century. Little surprise, therefore, that the RBST chose the breed as its logo.

These magnificent animals with their appealing black ‘points’ once adorned many parklands of the nobility, but, when such places declined in the 19th century, so did the cattle. Only four of these ancient herds survive, one of which is at Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire; the National Trust recently launched an appeal to raise £36,000 to buy another bull to keep the bloodline alive.

White Parks are tough, thrifty—able to flourish on coarse forage—and they produce quality, marbled beef. ‘We originally thought about having Shorthorns, but White Parks are more distinctive,’ comments The Princess, who acquired some of hers from a herd running free on Salisbury Plain.

‘I’m trying to improve them, but it’s a case of how to keep the colour.’ Because they are in possession of the black gene, the cattle can breed out with mottled black markings all over the body or even in solid black, as evinced by some of the striking beasts here; the points can come in red, too.

The horses

THERE has been a new arrival—a little chestnut Thoroughbred colt foal, Reel Fashion, by jumping sire Schiaparelli out of Gatcombe mare Fiddle Faddle. The Princess’s equestrian career is forever synonymous with eventing—she won the European title in 1971, a clutch of medals and was a member of the British team at the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976—but she also rode winners on the Flat and over jumps as an amateur jockey and her horse-breeding interests centre around the National Hunt world. ‘They have to do something useful,’ she remarks.

There are plenty of event horses around, too: The Princess’s daughter, Zara Tindall, herself a former European champion and a world and Olympic medallist, has hers at nearby Aston Farm and Tom McEwen, who, if things were normal, might reasonably have expected to be at the Tokyo Olympics right now, is the latest in a long line of fine horsemen to make Gatcombe their eventing base.

Amid a field of bay Thoroughbred fillies, Winnie, the Suffolk mare, cuts an imposing, solid presence. She’s also friendly—and curious, enthusiastically nibbling the windscreen wipers. ‘I bought her grandmother from the Hollesley Bay Colony Stud in Suffolk when they sold up,’ explains The Princess, who is patron of the Suffolk Horse Society, founded in 1877.

These striking heavy horses, with their rich chestnut coats and paler, flaxen or silver manes and tails, were bred to work the clay soil of East Anglia, but the difficulty of finding a role for them outside ploughing and timber hauling means that they are classified as ‘critical’ on the RBST watchlist. One potential outlet is as steady, careful mounts for Riding for the Disabled, another of The Princess’s long-time patronages. ‘Lockdown has been very hard on families with disabled children,’ she points out. ‘The number of parents who say their children’s behaviour has improved thanks to riding is striking.’

The sheep

SOME 230 Wiltshire Horn ewes graze the farm. Again, this is a hardy breed, which for centuries inhabited the treeless Wiltshire Downs, where there’s neither shade nor shelter. Wiltshire Horns lamb outside and, conveniently, are the original wool-shedding (no shearing) sheep, their fleece naturally shedding in spring and growing again in autumn.

The impressive horns come in useful, too: ‘You don’t really want horns inside, as that’s when your shins get mangled, but, outside, you’ve got handles to grab them with,’ observes Mr Stevens. ‘And,’ he adds, ‘they produce fantastic meat. Even the hogget meat isn’t overly fatty.’

Wiltshire Horn numbers dwindled alarmingly in the 19th century, a time when wool was a far more important currency than it is now, but, in 1923, a group of owners, determined to preserve genetic purity, formed the breed society. Competition from other wool-rich breeds caused further decline and the Wiltshire Horn came under the wing of the RBST in the 1970s, but new recognition of its low-maintenance qualities means that it’s now off the watchlist.

#princess anne #princess royal #country life #guest edited #article #life at gatcombe

[petnews2day]

Rare birds of prey found dead in Forest of Dean as Goshawk shot with gun

New Post has been published on https://petnews2day.com/birds-news/rare-birds-of-prey-found-dead-in-forest-of-dean-as-goshawk-shot-with-gun/

Rare birds of prey found dead in Forest of Dean as Goshawk shot with gun

*Warning: This article contains images some may find distressing.*

Two rare birds of prey were found dead by a bus stop in the Forest of Dean, with one having been shot. A Goshawk, believed to be just under 17-years-old was discovered next to a bus stop just south of Aylburton near Lydney on the A48 by a member of the public on Monday, April 25.

A Sparrowhawk was also discovered. X-rays revealed that the Goshawk had been shot with a shotgun, according to Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The cause of death has not yet been established for the male Sparrowhawk, however post mortems will take place for both birds. PC Cath McDay said: “This is an awful crime under the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981, to truly special birds.

Read more: Forest of Dean man dies in Westbury-on Severn crash after van hit pedestrian

“The Goshawk had managed to live to an exceptional age only for his life to be ended like this.” Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are asking anyone with information on the incident to please get in contact.”

The birds were found near Aylburton (Image: Gloucestershire Police)

A xray showing the Goshawk had been shot (Image: Gloucestershire Constabulary)

Goshawks were all but extinct as a breeding bird in the UK by the end of the 19th century due to loss of woodland habitat and persecution from gamekeepers. Deliberate and accidental reintroductions have seen the population slowly recover, with an estimated 542 birds in 2017.

The average lifespan of a Goshawk is seven-years-old. Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote incident number 130 of April 25.

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#Birds News

[dansnaturepictures]

My Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker first sighting anniversaries: Updated 

Celebrating 10 years today since I saw my first ever Cuckoo and 7 years today since I saw my first ever Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 

I wanted to do a special post to celebrate once more one of my favourite days in the year 12th April due to among other memories on this date two of my greatest ever birdwatching moments in the New Forest in the early part of last decade on this date. I wanted to a post following a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sighting a few weeks ago and the fact which I can’t believe that its been a whole decade since I first saw a Cuckoo that’s gone so fast. But with me working from home and talking photos and doing posts every day still and weekend mornings quite busy as a bit of a knock on from that and other things I don’t have the most time to be able to do special posts so ones different to my daily blog. So what I have done is rewrite this post https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/159498448669/my-cuckoo-and-lesser-spotted-woodpecker which I did on 12th April 2017 which was a rewrite of this one on the anniversary on 2015 https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/116192400602/my-cuckoo-and-lesser-spotted-woodpecker, I have pasted the same text below adapting how many years its been when I mention it and other small bits but just before the end I have added some updates of things that have happened with these two of my favourite birds since 2017. On my social media I like marking anniversaries but never mark every anniversary every year, however this double anniversary is so special the date is etched in my memory so I just can’t seem to not do something to mark it every year so this is this year’s post which I may basically re-post for years to come as I did every year on Twitter since I believe with the 2017 one.

Ten years ago today I saw my first ever Cuckoo at Acres Down in the New Forest, which became one of my favourite birds, and seven years ago today I saw for the first time a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Pig Bush in the New Forest. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is another of my favourite birds, and one I had dreamed about seeing up until this moment. As this post explores and I have mentioned before this is not just two separate anniversaries sharing a date but the sightings of these two special birds are intertwined for me. This is not just a tale about two of my favourite birds, but about two of my favourite places in the New Forest and the world and these moments being big parts of my connections with them.

On this day in 2011 we headed out on a sunny day for what I thought was a dog walk and landscape photography trip to Acres Down in the New Forest. At this stage I’d heard Cuckoos on 2 separate occasions, but never seen one thought I longed to. I particularly remember a day of near agony at Blashford Lakes nature reserve where we heard one calling the whole time pretty much but just could not see it this before we managed to see a Cuckoo. However when we arrived at Acres Down one of our top New Forest spots where we went on Saturday, and climbed the hill to look over the beautiful landscape I heard one again. It enchanted the landscape, and sounded very close. To my delight a scan of some nearby trees revealed a Cuckoo sitting in one and I was very happy. We literally heard Cuckoos (we believe there to have been 2 calling that day) the whole walk to Millyford Bridge and back from that point on. That two week Easter Holidays as I was still at school back then we went to many more parts of the New Forest, and heard Cuckoos at all but one or two of them and went onto see two more Cuckoos that spring which was extraordinary. So to go from being a bird I had never seen to one I was hearing on a regular basis and had a few sightings of was a really rewarding experience and just a time I’ll never forget. Thankfully my first Cuckoo encounter that Easter Holidays led to my first sighting of one, otherwise if we’d have got even two or three of those other places where I heard Cuckoos in before the sighting I may have been a little frustrated whilst you are always extremely lucky to just hear a Cuckoo their amazing and iconic call and its great when nature can tease and temp you and keep you so wonderfully addicted. 

As I’ve mentioned a lot before the heath land and ancient woodland of the New Forest national park is a great area for Cuckoos, and it’s so nice to be able to see them with their numbers declining across the country. Acres Down was a fitting and beautiful spot to see my first, it is one of my favourite parts of the New Forest and I only discovered it due to birdwatching namely Goshawk and Honey Buzzard species we went there to see, seeing our first ever Tree Pipit that day in 2009 too then after it became a very regular walking spot for us exploring so much the Cuckoo moment was the next big one here in terms of birdwatching. This began my love affair with the Cuckoo through seeing and hearing many more in the New Forest, and after less than a year of that day then years ago I proudly added it to my list of favourite birds. 

One of those other places where I heard a Cuckoo in the spring of 2011 in the New Forest was Pig Bush, one of my very favourite parts of the national park because I am captivated by its amazing landscape, it’s brilliant for wildlife and have spent many happy moments there I always say for me this is the best birdwatching spot in the New Forest exuding dedicated nature reserves perhaps for variety and quality of what can be seen there and its brilliant for all wildlife with many a day where we’ve seen an unbelievable list of species and very high quality species on a walk. Since 2011 Pig Bush has identified itself as the best place to see and hear Cuckoos in the New Forest in my opinion, over the last decade we have tended to hear one there most springs as it enchants it’s woodland and heath beautifully and some of my best Cuckoo sightings since 2011 have come at Pig Bush. So it’s fitting that my first Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sightings share a date, because it was a Cuckoo that led me to our first Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sighting at Pig Bush seven years ago today.

The trip seven years ago started out similarly to that of ten years ago today. We had just returned from Gloucestershire visiting Slimbridge and the International Centre for Birds of Prey and was a week away from going to Pembrokeshire and Skomer Island etc. for my Mum’s birthday so I expected a dog walk and a landscape photography day, but what I got was arguably my best ever birdwatching moment. I had always dreamed of seeing a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker due to my love of green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and had heard they could be seen in Hampshire so wanted to kind of complete the set.

The endless search and unattainable quality had made me crave a sighting even more. Seven years ago today my wait ended in spectacular fashion. My Mum and her partner were looking at Redstarts in the wood at Pig Bush, but having seen these for the first time in 2014 a few days before at Ashley Walk in the New Forest I was more interested in the Cuckoo I could hear calling. So I walked in a little bit further in the opposite direction and scanned in my binoculars to see if I might catch the all-important glimpse of the Cuckoo, when I saw a woodpecker like bird flying with a black and white striped back. It was too small for a Great Spotted and clearly not a Treecreeper. So I confidently proclaimed “I think I’ve just seen a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker”. I wasn’t instantly believed but we walked a bit further towards the area anyway, when I managed to see the Cuckoo briefly sitting in a tree before flying off. I think I did know definitely I had seen the Lesser by this point it was just a case of seeing if my Mum and her partner could see it and get a glorious second look so this was an amazing few moments seeing two incredible birds for the first time in that year as well as one for the first time ever. Then soon afterwards the small bird flew back and went on a tree before setting off again, and we were all able to see beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker! I had seen the bird I had dreamed about and I spotted it too which I loved and gave me a great bit of clout in our small birding group for a bit, it instantly became a favourite of mine and it was another favourite the Cuckoo that had led me to it. At this moment I don’t think I’d felt more lucky in birdwatching, and I was on top of the world! What was also wonderful was that a place so precious to me had been the place where I’d seen the bird I treasure so much and I didn’t expect it at all. Looking back both the first Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker had the same impact for me of knowing in nature and bird watching you just can’t rule anything out because neither of these sightings were expected and in a way that made them and the memory of them all the moor sweet.

We got a second view of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker maybe the same one in the exact same spot in the back of those woods at Pig Bush in the New Forest in March 2017! This was an equally as incredible and moving moment for me and the one tiny regret I had from the 2014 experience was not getting a picture of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so I was determined to leave those woods with one that March as it gave us a longer display. I remember that day my Mum said “oh look there’s a Redwing” and Iooked up hoping for what might be one of my last sightings that winter of this migrant thrush but it had flown when I looked up. But a small bird then flew onto a branch and I knew instantly before I looked at it that it was going to see a lesser I think and I was ecstatic when I saw this bird again it was so powerful and phenomenal. I remember getting a safety shot with my normal lens then time stood still and my eyes did not leave the woodpecker for a second as I put my backpack on the ground and changed to my longer zoom lens. I managed the seventh picture in this photoset of this stunning bird that day. 

I am very pleased to say that we did have Lesser Spotted Woodpecker round 3 at the same place in recent weeks. After seeing one in 2014 and 2017 here, 2020 I wondered if we might see one there and it might be an every three years thing we did go to Pig Bush a few weeks before the first Coronavirus lockdown but it wasn’t to be. I genuinely assume the 2014 and 2017 bird, my Mum did see it in 2015 too but I wasn’t fast enough to see it, was the same bird but you never know what was around seven years on from the original sighting its a fanciful thought but maybe it was the same one. 2021 built on 2014 and 2017 in that gloriously it was a very much longer view. We spotted it on a branch and watched it weave and dance between the branches and even trees and really take in the splendour of this very special bird seeing its elegant and fantastic black and white striped back and cute appearance. We were on cloud 9 when seeing this sensational bird again. What’s more on this day it was one of our most extraordinary days ever for wildlife watching as minutes before we had seen the other bird I associate with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, another favourite bird of mine I dreamt of seeing in the same vein as the woodpecker for so long since I was a child and it was interesting that I for the first time in 2014 just a couple of months before the Tawny Owl so they were always connected that an extraordinary view and bird to see on its own. We saw a ridiculous amount of other amazing species that day too such as Hawfinch, Woodlark, displaying Lapwing, Stock Dove, Fallow Deers running across a heath, an unusual for this location Canada Goose and more. Just like in 2017 I predicted the sighting a bit just seeming to know that like 2014 the magic was in the woods that day to allow us to see this which felt amazing personally with me for this bird once more. An epic moment which I’ve been proud to have this year and it may well define it. I took the record shots the final three pictures in this photoset of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that day this year.

Cuckoo wise since 2017, after drawing a blank and not seeing one in 2016 the only year I did that in the last decade so far I did hear them that year though notably at Pig Bush, I have seen wondrous springs of the ilk of 2011 whereby we heard and saw or heard so many times at multiple locations and went on to see Cuckoos stitching together brilliant runs within years. This happened in the New Forest so much of course, Eyeworth Pond and Fritham rivaled Pig Bush and other strong area Deadman/Turf Hill for seeing Cuckoos. I took the first two pictures in this photoset of a Cuckoo still and flying at Fritham in 2019 a glorious early summer walk with so much seen that day too, I saw my first Cuckoos of 2020 there too. I also took the fifth and sixth pictures in this photoset of record shots of one in the Eyeworth Pond/Telegraph Hill area walk in 2018 and 2017 respectively. 

The brilliant Cuckoo run expanded to places outside of the New Forest too, notably Martin Down which is one of our very favourite places for the biodiversity of nature and views anyway where I personally might not have ever seen one there but I’ve heard plenty really allowing you to focus on the phenomenal experience that just hearing them is. One particular time hearing them was on the second May bank holiday in 2018 extraordinarily two days before the Eyeworth Pond sighting so that was some weekend when there we heard a couple including one calling very loudly in a bush right beside us! An exceptional nature moment in a year and in a group of years I have been lucky to have so many. 

But another top nature reserve, Thursley Common in Surrey, like it has done since we first went in 2017 for my whole hobby really (no pun intended for another of the key species there) has for Cuckoos added a new dimension to my journey with them. This is because we have twice got to see the famous “Colin” the Cuckoo who is a celebrity bird and people flock to the one bird laden field at Thursley in spring to see this legend. We saw him in 2018 briefly flying, but 2019 it went a stage further with him and another calling so well in the woods that day we saw him at the top of a tree staying there what felt like all afternoon and calling and we got crippling views of this Cuckoo when walking in the woods the other side of the trees from the field we were in some of my best ever views of a Cuckoo for sure and I took the third and fourth pictures in this photoset of him really standing out in my Cuckoo pictures over the last ten years for still shots of the bird. Over the last four years as I have done over the last ten I have been so pleased to hear the iconic call to sum up any spring, and feel how surreal and dreamlike it is when you get to purely hear a Cuckoo up close. 

The anniversary post from 2017 linked above has a picture I took of my first Cuckoo we ever saw a decade ago attached.

It still excites me now to think of the call of the Cuckoo and the look of the striped back of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker when these two monumental moments for me and my hobby happened, these are moments that will always stay with me, two of my greatest since I began birdwatching in 2006/2007 and what an honour its been to relive it with the species down the years. 

#cuckoo #lesser spotted woodpecker #acres down #new forest #martin down #thursley common #pig bush #deadman hill #turf hill #eyeworth pond #telegraph hill #milkham #fritham #photography #years #2014 #2011 #2015 #2017 #2018 #2019 #2020 #2021 #special #tawny owl #magic #magical #uk #england #world

[coriniumarboreal-blog]

Thinking about end of life decisions is not easy but it is essential.Estate Management services includes Early identification of your lease events, Day-to-day management of property etc.So, contact Corrinium Arboreal today for your requirements & queries regarding Estate Management in Gloucestershire.

#Tree Surgery Gloucestershire #Tree Surgeons Gloucestershire #Crown Reduction Gloucestershire #stump grinding gloucestershire #Woodland Management Gloucestershire #Hedge Trimming Gloucestershire #Estate Management Gloucestershire #Tree Felling Gloucestershire #Crown Thinning Gloucestershire #Crown Raising Gloucestershire

[developmentsmindset-blog]

Crown reduction is the process for reducing the size of the tree's overall canopy.If you are looking for the tree surgeons for Crown Reduction in Gloucestershire, then stop looking further as Corrinium Arboreal is here you help you with the best crown reduction for your trees.

#Tree Surgery Gloucestershire #Tree Surgeons Gloucestershire #Crown Reduction Gloucestershire #Stump Grinding Gloucestershire #Woodland Management Gloucestershire #Hedge Trimming Gloucestershire

[seenashwrite]

The Beast of Dean

Via the Cryptid Wiki : 

“The Beast of Dean, also given the colloquial Moose-Pig, is reportedly a cryptid said to resemble a wild boar (Sus scrofa) with an abnormally large size. It is commonly sighted in Gloucestershire, in the south-west of the United Kingdom...”

And lo, the fanfic gods hath called out to me, saying thus:

(bolding mine, for reasons -cough-SPN-cough-)

“The Beast of Dean, also given the colloquial Moose-Pig is reportedly a cryptid said to resemble a wild boar (Sus scrofa) with an abnormally large size. It is commonly sighted in Gloucestershire, in the south-west of the United Kingdom.

The royal Forest of Dean became a a hot-spot for sightings beginning in 1802, with reports from locals of an exceptionally large wild boar, with occasional reports of felled trees, crushed hedges and fences, and a supposed 'unearthly roar'. Eventually local hunters, from the village of Parkend, Gloucestershire managed to capture and kill the creature. 

The hunters, upon examination, all agreed their prey was no boar they had encountered before nor even any familiar indigenous species. After this revelation in March 1807, sightings stopped entirely for almost two centuries. Over this period locals frequently heard a low guttural noise in the woods between Parkend and the nearby village of Bream, Gloucestershire. 

Speculation had been made between locals to whether there was another Beast roaming the woodland of the Forest of Dean. This would not be apparent until 1998 in which a report had been made by two locals (James Nash, Marshall Davies), that had been passing through the woodland between Parkend and Bream. They had claimed the woods seemed eerily quiet, suddenly a low sound could be heard, slowly raising in intensity. Then a sound of rustling leaves was heard and the two saw a large sized shape come towards them in the darkness, at this time the men could not comprehend the size of the animal. 

They then ran frantically from the beast towards the village of Parkend as it pursued them through the woodland, the men then emerged onto a well-lit road near the centre of the village. As they came to a halt they heard an 'un-earthly' roar come from the woods behind them, the men where both mortified as they could not comprehend what had just happened.”

To recap:

- Dean

- Moose

- bacon (sort-of)

- hunters of creatures

- a hunter last name of Nash

- a hunter last name of Davies

- a hunter last name of Davies in the U.K.

What.

Well hiya there prompt that’s been languishing in my drafts since god was a boy, looks like I got a winner fer ya.

Coming up, next post in Q

#Nash Plots #The Beast of Dean Moose #Nash and Davies are on the hunt #what and I mean this sincerely the hell #chef's kiss #perfection #I can't even #stay tuned #it's the next #post in the Q #Queueby Dooby Doo #Dad's on a blog post and #he hasn't been queued in a few days

[verdebijoux]

Feminine and romantic this botanical necklace suits every woman who loves nature, spring seasons and moments of calm. Finally after a long period of not being active on Etsy, today I managed to add this pretty necklace in my shop 🎉 I have 3 more necklaces like this but all of them are slightly different. I will list them today or tomorrow. So if you like this one you can DM me or you can just visit my @etsy #shop, link in bio. 🌳 🌿🍃🍀#botanical #botanicalgardens #botanicaljewelry #botanicaljewellery #botanicalart #gardening #giftforher #romantic #feminine #fern #nature #natureinspired #natureinspiration #etsyseller #etsy #etsyfinds #etsysuccess #handmade #handmadeintheuk #handmadeinbritain #numonday #craftyfeatures #terrarium #woodland #hippie #bohemian #resin #resinjewelry #naturejewelry (at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire)

#nature #naturejewelry #etsyfinds #terrarium #woodland #romantic #natureinspired #resin #natureinspiration #fern #handmadeinbritain #botanicaljewelry #shop #botanicaljewellery #resinjewelry #numonday #giftforher #feminine #craftyfeatures #etsysuccess #gardening #handmade #bohemian #handmadeintheuk #botanicalgardens #etsyseller #etsy #botanicalart #hippie #botanical

[harrywarneroutdoors]

These pop up every year when the temperature starts to drop in a local field back in Gloucestershire. Haven't managed to i.d them yet so any help will be greatly appreciated. Growing in unimproved grassland, very strong perfumed smell (stronger than field Blewits). Gills not attached to stem, caps seem to stay convex when mature. Stems fibrous and hollow. Entire mushroom is dull brown. #mushroom #mushrooms #fungi #fungus #wildfoodlove #shrooms #nature #foraging #forage #foraged #walk #bushcraft #survival #outdoor #walking #hiking #outdoors #shroomatnoon #mycology #fungusamongus #wildfood #survival #wilderness #woodland #woods #forest #countryside #mushroomsociety #england #cornwall

#foraging #woodland #hiking #mushroomsociety #forest #wildfood #shroomatnoon #bushcraft #foraged #fungi #wilderness #mushrooms #survival #wildfoodlove #nature #walking #mycology #fungusamongus #outdoor #cornwall #england #mushroom #walk #countryside #forage #fungus #woods #shrooms #outdoors

[woodlandhousebnb-blog]

Simple Steps For Booking And Cancellation For Woodland House In Gloucestershire

To paint the old countryside and the majestic green meadows, I went to Gloucestershire. After a long search for a pleasant hotel or an inn to stay, I found Woodland House. On the internet, it is has gained the highest rating in term of its genuine service and the nearby attractions. I checked into their website to have a view of their perimeter and the types of services they offer to their customers. I was amazed to find the most beautifully decorated rooms and the courtyard they have to welcome their guests. After a thorough view of the website, I checked their booking details and found it to be a reasonable one.

The procedure for booking rooms in the hotel is simple and due to my personal experience, I have seen the true beauty of the rooms which I had seen formerly over the internet. The steps for booking are as follows:-

To book your rooms first, you need to check into their website and click on the booking section. You’ll find a section in which you need to fill up your names and other personal details with your date of booking and date of departure.

The tariffs are mentioned in the room section. You can select the type and according to the price. You can send an email to their management and booking section mentioning the type of room you want and the availability.

The time for check in and check out is fixed by the management of Woodland House. The check-in time is 16:00 onwards and check-out time is before 10:00.

Tariff per night for the rooms is £80 and additional £15 extra for a third person - private bathroom.

By any chance you have to cancel your booking, you need to inform them 5days prior. In that case, a full refund is available. If you inform within 5days then, the first night will be charged and other further nights will have a refund of 50%. If anybody leaves early, his / her 50% accommodation fees of the nights not spend for 24hours will be refunded.  

#Woodland House

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/15-great-things-to-do-in-bristol-local-guide/

15 Great Things to Do in Bristol - Local Guide

Bristol is a Great City, loved for is Diverse Cultures, Art, Music, Festivals and more.  Its's a great City with lots of open spaces.

Here are some interesting less “well known” places to go, when you are planning your visit.

1. Things to do in Bristol

Concorde At Aerospace

Aerospace Museum opened at Filton in October 2017.  The project is being run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust and houses a varied collection of exhibits as well as Concorde 216, the final Concorde to be built and the last to fly.  It made its final flight in November 2003 (flying over Clifton Suspension Bridge) – it is now housed in a specially constructed hangar at Filton, on the outskirts of Bristol, where the airframe and the engines of Concorde were largely developed and where the UK assembly line was located; all British planes also made their maiden flight from Filton's runway.

Filton's association dates to the First World War, with the creation of the Aircraft Acceptance Park in 1915 which was manned by The Royal Flying Corps. The building lies next door to a former First World War hangar which has been cleverly renovated to house the bulk of the museum’s exhibits.  The hangar was built in 1917 by the War Office as part of the Filton Aircraft Acceptance Park. It has enjoyed 100 years of continuous service in RAF and private hands.  Manufacturers of airframes for use in the First World War delivered their aircraft to an Aircraft Acceptance Park for the installation of engines and armament. Squadrons were also prepared here before they were sent to the front lines in France.

Although the Acceptance Park closed in late-1919, the large flying ground was taken over for test and development flying by the new Bristol Aeroplane Company. The aim of Bristol Aerospace is to recall the past and showcase the remarkable role played by the Bristol site in Britain’s aviation history, but also, according to the museum’s collections manager, “to inspire the next generation” about science and engineering.  Numerous exhibits – such as flight simulators and interactive options – show the museum is most definitely not just aimed at “plane spotters”.

Aerospace Bristol will keep the whole family entertained for hours.  There are plenty of hands-on-activities.  Children will be entertained with the fun flight’s interactive exhibits, fact-finding trails and clocking-in stations and much more.

    2. Free things to do with the kids in Bristol

Grimsbury Farm

Grimsbury Community Farm is open to the public every day 365 days a year from 9am – 6pm, there is a car park on site and entry is free.

Evidence of farming activities on this site have been found going back to medieval times, although ownership and detailed usage have changed many times over this period.

The farm is now owned and managed by South Gloucestershire Council, where its function is that of a community farm open to all as a place to relax and enjoy, or even to learn new skills.

Throughout the year there are lots of different activity days and as well as new births of lambs, calves, piglets, goat kids, ducklings etc so always plenty to do or see.

If you are visiting Bristol with your family, this is a great place to spend the day.

    3. Free things to do in Bristol with kids

Willsbridge Valley Nature Reserve

Willsbridge Valley is part of the Avon Wildlife Trust and is a sanctuary of wildlife amongst modern housing estates. The Siston Brook stream runs through the site and there are 2 ponds. In the 19th century the site was used for milling, quarrying and a coal dramway.  The woodlands are beautiful and best visited in the spring when it is filled with flowers and you are surrounded by birdsong.  Frogs, toads and dragonflies find their home in the ponds whereas dippers and kingfishers can be seen by the stream.  Even foxes, badgers and bats are known to be in the area. This valley is a great place for a family day out, dog walking or if you are interested in geology and history.

The best time to visit is in spring between April and July but it is open all year round.  A number of public footpaths run throughout the reserve. Wheelchair users can gain entrance via Willsbridge Hill and can access most of the valley. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on lead. Parking spots are available on Long Beach Road, Longwell Green, Bristol BS30 9UA.

  4. Free things to do Bristol

Frenchay Village Museum

The Museum building was built in the 19th century as the West Lodge for Frenchay Park estate.  The building has had considerable modifications over the years.  The latest changes were in 1999 when the Frenchay Tuckett Society obtained a lease on the building from the North Bristol NHS Trust and converted for use as a museum.

The Frenchay Tuckett Society was formed in 1996 to care for a collection of Quaker artefacts donated to  the village of Frenchay by the descendents of the Tuckett family.  The Tuckett Collection, which is the nucleus of the museum, contains a wide variety of artefacts, some dating back to the 1770s.  These include paintings, mountaineering equipment, journals, Quaker wedding certificates, books, Egyptian remains, Bristol porcelain and much more.

FRY’S CHOCOLATE – INVENTED IN BRISTOL - There is a permanent display about the great chocolate manufacturers, J.S. Fry & Sons. Although they were a Bristol Company that relocated to Keynsham, Joseph Storrs Fry (and his sons) lived in Grove House, Frenchay, from 1800 until his death in 1835, and he is buried in the Quaker burial ground here.  Later, his great-grandson Cecil Fry lived in the same house. He was the last of the family to head the firm, and he died here in 1952.

On display the mortar and pestle originally used to grind the cocoa beans. In 1847 Fry's invented the chocolate bar, and chocolate changed from being a drink to being something you ate. Fry's displayed their new invention at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and one of those original 160 year-old chocolate bars is on display in the museum.

  5. More things to do in Bristol

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park, a National Trust property, has an historic herd of fallow deer who roam freely in the 270 acres (110 hectares) of ancient parkland which is full of magnificent trees and spectacular views.  Visitors can get a flavour of the richly luxurious 17th-century life enjoyed by founder William Blathwayt by stepping into the impressive baroque mansion house and see the collections including artwork, furniture and a fine collection of blue and white Dutch Delftware.

Young explorers can run free in the Old Lodge picnic and play area, take part in a nature trail and tick off challenges on their 50 things to find list and investigate the splendid borders, idyllic ponds and the wildflower orchard which are all features of the stunning West garden and is being sensitively developed as a 21st-century garden with echoes of the past.

  6. Fun things to do with the kids in Bristol

Pirate Adventure Golf

Bristol Golf Centre is home to Pirate Bay Adventure Golf at Bristol Golf Centre in Hambrook, is an unequalled 18-hole golf experience! Putt your way around this fun filled setting and watch out for alligators!

It is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon with family and friends as it has been specially designed to ensure that everyone has fun, whatever their age or ability level. The course is fully accessible for wheelchair users to play too.

It also has a Golf Range which has 24 Floodlit Bays, which are all fitted with Power Tees. Open 7 days a week from 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 7pm Saturday and Sunday. Last baskets are sold 15 minutes before closing.

    7. Things to do Bristol

Badminton Horse Trials

Badminton was first held in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort in order to let British riders train for international events and was advertised as "the most important horse event in Britain". It was the second three-day event held in Britain, with the first being its inspiration – the 1948 Olympics. The first Badminton had 22 horses from Britain and Ireland start, and was won by Golden Willow. Eight of the 22 starters failed to complete the cross-country course. Badminton was the home of the first European Championship in 1953, won by Major Laurence Rook on Starlight XV. In 1955, Badminton moved to Windsor Castle for a year, at the invitation of the Queen, in order to hold the second European Championships. Badminton was first televised in 1956.

In 1959, Badminton was held in two sections, called the Great and Little Badminton, due to the popularity of the event and the number of entries. The horses in the two sections jumped the same fences but were separated into the two divisions based on their money winnings. This graded approach was abandoned after the 1965 event.  In 1989, the current director and course-designer Hugh Thomas, who rode in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, took over from Frank Weldon, a former winner, who is credited with bringing the event to the pinnacle it is at today.

Badminton is held in the 6 square kilometre (1500 acre) Badminton Park, where the car parks, trade stands, arena and cross-country courses are located.

The World’s Premier three-day event is held every year in early May and attracts over 160,000 visitors from all over the world.

      8. Outdoor Activities in Bristol

Windmill Leisure

Why not spend the day at Windmill Leisure an outdoor activity centre providing many activities for individual, groups and family fun out in the countryside.

Activities include

Golf – A number of activities are provided, Floodlit, heated 300 yards long Driving Range, Floodlit G4 synthetic short game practice green suitable for putting, chipping and pitching.  Lessons with golf professionals, fully stocked Golf retail shop and opening in 2021 an18 hole Par 3 Golf Course

Archery – Target Archery shooting at 20 metre distances is practiced. All the equipment is provided, coaching for individual and groups are catered for.  Try their taster experience sessions to experience the sport and have some fun.

Football Golf – Getting the ball in the hole only using your feet is the object of the game.  12 holes of footgolf takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete, it’s open to everyone, perfect fun for groups and the family.

Disk Golf – Play much like traditional golf, but instead of balls and clubs players use frisbees or flying discs.  Targets are used instead of holes.  The game shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf.  A great way to enjoy the county side and keep fit.

Fishing – Coarse fishing on four different lakes, suiting all levels of fishing, both social and weekly open match fishing.  Fishing lessons / coaching available to book. Party and Group Packages available.

Some activities require advance bookings.

    9. More Free things to do in Bristol

Winterbourne Duck Pond

  The duck pond, also known as Flaxpits Pond, has been a beautiful peaceful oasis in the middle of Winterbourne for many generations.  It has existed since the 16th century when it was used to soak flax before making linen, so is of considerable historic significance.

The area is used by local residents of all ages as a place for recreation and is very popular with local fishermen.

Winterbourne Parish Council own the pond and maintain the surrounding area.  Frome Valley Angling Club manage the ‘water’ and fishing on behalf of the Parish Council.

  10. More for things to do Bristol

Frome Valley Walkway

 A pleasant and interesting 18-mile-long path which follows the River Frome between the River Avon in Bristol and the Cotswold Hills in South Gloucestershire.

The route links with the Cotswold Way National Trail at one end and the Avon Walkway at the other, as well as connecting with several other well-established recreational routes, notably, the Jubilee Way, the Monarch’s Way and the Community Forest Path.

The path passes through a variety of landscapes including open countryside and meadows in South Gloucestershire, the mediaeval town of Chipping Sodbury, wooded valleys south of Winterbourne Down, the pretty village of Frenchay and historic, landscaped parks in Bristol including Oldbury Court estate, originally an old hunting lodge within the Royal Forest of Kingswood. In Bristol the route runs through city parks and along pavements. Some sections of the River Frome are culverted near to the City Centre, including the point where it enters the River Avon near Castle Park.

Frome Valley Walkway Booklet

  11. Fun things to do in Bristol

Lots of Fun at Cleve Archers

Wholly run by volunteers Cleve Archers is one of the largest clubs in the county.  It was founded in 1960 to practice and promote the sport of archery in accordance with Grand National Archery Society Rules.  It is a well established and recognised leading archery organisation in the South West of England. The club is registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club. The majority of the members live in or around South Gloucestershire and Bristol areas.

As well as hosting tournaments throughout the year Cleve Archers have daily clubs running for Juniors, seniors and disability group.  All courses are fully supervised by their coaches and all the equipment is provided.  Have a go taster session are a great way to have an introduction to the sport.

If you are looking for a new challenge, this is definately one to try.

12. More Great Places to Visit

Bristol Activity Centre

Bristol Activity Centre is an experienced provider of great outdoor activities for adults and children in the South West of England, catering for groups of all ages 8+ and over, and groups of all shapes and sizes – from small groups of just two people, right up to large groups of 200+. They offer over 10 top activities all at the same outdoor venue in Bristol, Cribbs Causeway, including Paintball, Low Impact Paintball, Airsoft, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Crossbow, Quad Biking, Archery, Battle zone Archery and Axe, Tomahawk & Knife Throwing, and coming soon they will be adding Air Rifle shooting.

The original paintball venue established 2000 (and still one of the UK’s best!) is their dedicated woodland paintball venue which is located in Portishead. They also have a dedicated airsoft club for those with their own Airsoft equipment, called “Black Ops Airsoft” where they run “Airsoft walk-on day” every single Sunday.  This place has something for everyone.

    13. Fun thing to do with the kids in Bristol

Wild Place Project

Wild Place Project is a wildlife conservation park, run by Bristol Zoological Society and located close to the M5 in Bristol.  It’s a fun, family attraction that provides outdoor adventure, play and learning, with a vision to create a sustainable future for wildlife and people through their conservation and education work.  It has a natural and open feel, making it easy to explore.  You really can get up close and personal with some of the animals.

It aims to inspire families to enjoy nature with a number of outdoor adventures from discovering wildlife from the UK and around the world with seasonal themed trails, exploring the woods and climbing in the undercover Fun Fort.  There are some hidden gems liked the barefoot challenge exploring senses, a mud kitchen and musical play area and you can enjoy a great range of hot food and drinks in the quaint guest village, but there are also some great places to have a picinic.

Visitors to Wild Place Project can meet amazing animals from across the world from the mischievous lemurs of Madagascar, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, to the striking grey wolves of Europe and many more.  You can also feed the animals.  This place is like being on a small-scale on foot Safari.

    14. Places to go in Bristol

The Dower House at Stoke Park 

The Dower House, Stoke Park is a building in Bristol, England. It is one Bristol's more prominent landmarks, set on Purdown, a hill above the M32 motorway on the main approach into the city, and painted yellow.

The house was built in 1553 by Sir Richard Berkeley. Rebuilt by Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt circa 1760, it eventually became used as a Dower House by the Dukes of Beaufort at nearby Badminton House. This included Charles Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort (The son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort) and wife Elizabeth Somerset, Duchess of Beaufort whose daughter’s obelisk can be found on the hill she died on from falling off a horse to this date.

Legend has it that Stoke Park, is haunted by the ghost of 17-year-old Elizabeth Somerset, who died in 1760 there after falling off her horse and breaking her neck.  In recent years numerous visitors claim to have heard galloping hooves as they walk through - despite the fact horses haven’t been on the grounds for years.

Lots of people walk the grounds of Stoke Park, it’s the perfect place to walk the dog, enjoy a walk, have a picnic or in the winter tobogganing down the very steep hill in front of the house.

  15. Places to go in Bristol

Glenside Museum

Glenside Museum is located on Blackberry Hill in the suburb of Fishponds. Its clocktower is a prominent landmark, visible from the M32 motorway. Several of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed.

The museum was founded by Dr Donal Early, a consultant psychiatrist at Glenside Hospital. Objects and documents were saved and collected from all corners of the building and beyond. The collection consists of a wide range of paraphernalia and images from the life of Glenside and of the local Learning Disability Hospitals of the Stoke Park Group and the Burden Neurological Institution.

The museum was successful in gaining a Heritage Lottery Grant in 2011 to collect memories of Glenside Hospital from those who lived and worked there. This has enabled the Museum to collect over 60 interviews giving many perspectives. These are available for those researching or wanting a better understanding of the history of mental health care. The museum continues to collect memories from anyone that worked or visited the hospital.

The museum charges no entrance fee but depends on donations from the public.

    Read more articles on things to do in Bristol

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[biofunmy]

House Hunting in England: A Modernist Gem in the Countryside

A Three-Bedroom Retreat Near the Welsh Border

$3.8 MILLION (2.895 BRITISH POUNDS)

This modern three-bedroom house is set on a hillside on the edge of Brockweir, a village in South West England about 25 minutes north of the city of Bristol. Designed by Loyn & Co Architects, a Welsh firm, for the current owners, who are artists, the single-story, concrete-and-glass home stretches horizontally across the landscape, providing sweeping views of the Wye Valley below.

The rooftop is planted with greenery and merges neatly with an upper meadow to act as an extension of the field. Called the Outhouse (which doesn’t mean quite the same thing in England that it does in the United States), the structure “is absorbed within the insulating hillside,” said James Klonaris, the prime appraisals manager with the Modern House, an estate agency that has the listing. “Its stealthy profile neither imitates nor entirely juxtaposes its surroundings, but complements them with a lack of ornamentation.”

Completed in 2015, the 5,000-square-foot home is built to high efficiency standards, with solar panels supplying all its energy needs, including charging capacity for the owners’ electric vehicle. There is under-floor heating throughout the house, and the airtight construction keeps the interiors at a consistent 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, Mr. Klonaris said.

The home is divided into east and west wings along the route of the property’s original driveway, with a long gallery running in between. One end of the gallery, reached through a covered carport, serves as the main entrance. The owners use the gallery to display art, Mr. Klonaris said, and often glide along its travertine floors on scooters.

In the back of the house, three large artists’ studios with skylights are arranged around an interior courtyard with a koi pond. Farther down the back side of the gallery is a bedroom with an en suite bath.

The front of the house, which faces south toward the valley, contains open-plan living areas with polished concrete floors. Enclosed in glass to maximize views, the living-and-dining space wraps around another courtyard that receives sun through an opening in the roof. The connecting kitchen has a granite island with a stainless steel work top and Gaggenau appliances. A large cold-store pantry is off the kitchen.

An outdoor terrace separates the living areas from the master suite and a third bedroom. The master suite has a dressing area and a free-standing tub in the bedroom, positioned for valley views.

The four-acre lot also has a garden with raised beds bordered by an original stone wall and a grazing meadow where the owners once kept sheep.

The property is in the Forest of Dean district, a section of Gloucestershire County known for its ancient woodlands. This region, which includes the Wye Valley, a protected area straddling the border between England and Wales, is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, kayaking and cycling.

The village of Brockweir, which is about seven centuries old, sits on the eastern bank of the River Wye. Just over the border in Wales are the stone ruins of Tintern Abbey, a Cistercian monastery that dates to the Middle Ages, and the bustling town of Chepstow, which has a variety of restaurants, shops and cafes.

Thirty minutes south is the English harbor city of Bristol, known for its Georgian architecture and modern shopping district, and for its role as a hub of British music and culture. It offers rail service to various places around England, including London, about 120 miles east, and an international airport, about 45 minutes south of the property.

Market Overview

Across the River Severn, Bristol’s metro area has become more popular with home buyers as prices in London have stretched out of reach for many. The city has about 460,000 residents and an increasingly vibrant economy, with a mix of tech, engineering and creative-media industries, all within a 75-minute train ride of London, said James Petherick, the director of residential development in the Bristol office of the property investment company JLL.

Home prices in Bristol have increased rapidly over the last five years, Mr. Petherick said. While ongoing uncertainty around Brexit has recently dampened that, he added, “I think we will still see a 1 or 2 percent increase in prices this year, because we’re not building enough new housing to satisfy the demand.”

As of November 2019, the average price of an attached townhouse in Bristol was 301,488 pounds (about $400,000), according to a market report from Nexa, a local estate agency. Semidetached properties sold for an average of 324,000 pounds ($425,000), and apartments averaged 242,750 pounds ($320,000). In all, the report said, while property values in Bristol dipped slightly in 2019, they are nearly 17 percent higher than in January 2016.

“Prices are just marginally down from where we were 12 months ago,” said Jake Gready, the managing director of Nexa’s Bristol office. “We’re seeing an awful lot of investment from business and in the city’s infrastructure. And a lot of people moving from London.”

The historic city center and Harbourside districts are in high demand, brokers said. Popular suburbs for buyers looking for homes priced over 700,000 pounds ($920,000) include Clifton, Cotham, Redland and Abbots Leigh, said Amanda Ake, the Bristol regional director for Stacks Property Search.

The city also has a very strong rental market, due in part to demand from students attending the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Rents for a two-bedroom in the city center average 1,200 to 1,500 pounds ($1,575 to $1,975), Mr. Petherick said. The Nexa report noted a 3 percent increase in the average rent across the city from November 2018 to November 2019.

Farther north, in the rural area that includes the village of Brockweir and the town of Chepstow, home prices range from about 140,000 pounds ($180,000) for a two-bedroom house built in 2004 to 500,000 pounds ($660,000) for a five-bedroom house built in the 16th century.

Who Buys in the Bristol Area

About 40 percent of buyers in the area are from abroad, Ms. Ake said, but more than half of those are British expatriates who have decided to return to the country. “Some just see the weak pound as an opportunity to invest and use the money made to boost income or fund their retirement,” she said.

Americans buying in Bristol tend to prefer Clifton, an upscale area known for its Victorian and Georgian architecture, she said.

Mr. Petherick and Mr. Gready both said that Chinese buyers predominate among their agencies’ small percentage of foreign clients. “There’s quite a lot of foreign students now, many Chinese, so there is a small pocket of foreign investment from China,” Mr. Petherick said.

Buying Basics

There are no restrictions on foreign buyers in England. But it can be hard for them to obtain a mortgage if they don’t have easily verified income, Ms. Ake said, noting that the interest rates they pay are typically higher than those paid by domestic buyers.

A lawyer handles the transaction. Legal fees average around 1,500 pounds ($1,975), but can be much higher for complex deals, agents said. A full survey of the property is advisable, which costs around 900 pounds ($1,200).

The seller pays the agent’s commission, typically around 1 percent of the sale price.

Websites

Languages and Currency

English; pound sterling (1 pound = $1.32)

Taxes and Fees

Stamp duty land tax is due on the portion of the sale price above 125,000 pounds ($164,000), starting at 2 percent and gradually rising to 12 percent on the portion above 1.5 million pounds. An additional 3 percent is charged on purchases of second homes.

The property tax on this home is 2,600 pounds ($3,420) annually, Mr. Klonaris said.

Contact

Corey Hemingway, the Modern House, 011-44-020-3795-5920; themodernhouse.com

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

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[dansnaturepictures]

4/01/20-Blashford Lakes 

We did my usually lively first Blashford Lakes visit of the year today to continue to build the foundations of my first year list where in two hours I spent half an hour each roughly in, around or on the way to the term, ivy north, woodland and ivy south hides. Throughout the trip I got 11 more year ticks to take my year list to 88 a figure I am so proud after 4 days of 2020 it’s my highest ever total after four days as my amazing start to my birding decade continues. 

In my first stop the tern hide I got most of the year ticks with six of them. Standouts key Blashford and pretty special species Goosander and Goldeneye with a very nice view of the female of the latter, some leucistic Greylag Geese not a bad way to see my first of this common species this year they looked very beautiful and one of my favourite birds the Pochard. I took the first two pictures in this photoset of views here and third of dockens water as I made my way to the next hide. 

As I waked to ivy north hide on the other side of the reserve it was more about what I saw before getting to it really. I had hoped to see a Jay walking across the grass before the hide and when I tucked into a little side path to try to take a picture of the sun coming down brightly I saw a big bird and it was a Jay. Another of my favourite birds seen for the first time this year. Soon after I saw and heard a lovely Great Spotted Woodpecker another of my favourite birds. Then on approach to the hide I saw two birds I am more used to seeing at other places within the reserve a Goldcrest flitting in a tree and then a Siskin quickly before a flock flew other both year ticks. Then as I got to the hide a more familiar here Gadwall joined a memorably large portion of my year ticks today that their name began with a G as is always possible with some of the species around here. I took the fourth picture in this photoset of some nice light from the woods as I walked from ivy north to the woodland hide via the visitor centre. 

It was the woodland hide my favourite next where another Great Spotted Woodpecker view stood out as did many Long-tailed Tits seen. I got another year tick beginning with a G here when I saw at least one Greenfinch one shown in the fifth picture I took today in this photoset. I was thrilled with this as I did not see one until mid-February in 2019 then all of a sudden saw a flurry of them those few days at here included. This might not sound bad but for a bird I once used to see in our garden regularly it was a very long wait to see a bird I know is declining number wise. It teetered dangerously into bogey bird territory for me. So I was very glad to see this bird in January like I usually do this year and I enjoyed some great views today in this hide. 

Then it was off to ivy south hide where I didn’t get a year tick but did get to enjoy two recent ones and some nice scenes as the sun came in and out before heading to set. I saw two more Goosanders on the lake one shown in the sixth picture in this photoset of the ones I took today I had never seen at this part of the reserve before which looked great in low light conditions. I took the seventh and eighth pictures in this photoset of views across ivy lake. I also just caught sight of the famous Walter the oldest known Great White Egret in the UK in a tree the other side of the lake. He can just be spotted in the seventh picture in this photoset when zooming in. This looked amazing following nicely from a view I got of one in a field beside the M27 at Broadlands yesterday as the year tick. Just before I left I took the ninth and final picture in this photoset of the sun coming down beside a little lake. 

Wildlife Sightings Summary: My first Tufted Duck, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Pochard, Goosander, Goldeneye, Greylag Goose, Jay, Goldcrest, Siskin, Gadwall and Greenfinch of the year, two more of my favourite birds the Great Spotted Woodpecker and Great Crested Grebe, Great White Egret, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Raven, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Collared Dove. 

Well that effectively ends my few days off of local bird year list building as tomorrow as we did last year we head off to Gloucestershire for a three night stopover to go to Slimbridge to celebrate my birthday on Tuesday. We are back Wednesday and I return to work Thursday although I suspect my spare bridge camera may come with me. If I am able to process and upload my photos and blogs whilst away on the nights I will if not I shall attempt to get them all posted Wednesday afternoon/night when we’re back. If I don’t manage that details of a plan will follow. I shall at the very least tweet on Dans_Pictures updates of what I see on the trip. My time off so far though has been fantastic I cannot believe really the start I have made to the year yet again with the amount of species I have seen, the sheer quality of some I have seen some of my birds of the year already including one new one. I had smashing days and bits of days out with some quality weather too. Thanks for all your support the last few days and I hope you all enjoy the next few.

#blashford lakes #great white egret #great spotted woodpecker #jay #goosander #greenfinch #gadwall #hampshire #new forest #pintail #england #uk #earth #nature #world #beautiful #trips #year #2020 #start #photography #wildlife #birdwatching #goldeneye #greylag goose

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[chriskarrtravelblog]

5 spots in the Cotswolds where you can avoid the crowds

Take the road less travelled and discover 5 of the Cotswolds hidden gems that the tourists haven’t yet discovered.

Defined by its sleepy honey-hued villages and bucolic rolling green hills grazed by sheep, the Cotswolds attracts many to its idyllic country setting, offering the perfect haven to get away from it all. Naturally, with some of the prettiest villages in the UK, the Cotswolds can get busy – especially during the school holidays and summer season.

For those who take the time to venture away from the well-travelled hotspots, there are some quiet places in the Cotswolds where you can enjoy a relaxing break. Treat yourself to a stay in one of our Cotswolds cottages and explore some of these lesser-known attractions.

A secret garden

While hordes of tourists tend to flock to the popular gardens of Hidcote Manor, many visitors are unaware that there is another secret garden located just across the road. The horticultural masterpiece of Kiftsgate Court Gardens is situated above the village of Mickleton and is every bit as colourful as its more famous neighbour, and a lot quieter.

Designed, planted and sustained by three generations of female gardeners, this hidden gem in the Cotswolds is a delight for all the senses with an ever-changing display of foliage throughout the year. An enchanting woodland garden steps down the hillside to a beautiful pool on the terrace where there are many peaceful spots to sit and read, draw, write or simply admire the inspiring views to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Tulips are a highlight in the spring, followed by dazzling displays of peonies, geraniums and lilies in the summer, but the true showstopper is the Kiftsgate Rose. Planted in 1938, it is claimed to be the largest rose in Britain, measuring 24 meters wide and 15 meters high! Be sure to make time for a spot of afternoon tea before you leave – the homemade cakes are divine.

Where to stay: The Wool Store at Mickleton Hills Farm is set within acres of farmland, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring. Sleeping two, it is the perfect romantic retreat for couples looking to enjoy a quiet break away.

Romantic ruins

Set in the midst of rolling countryside, the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey in Gloucestershire tend to attract smaller crowds and have many fascinating stories to tell. One of the lesser-known attractions of the Cotswolds, this 13th-century Cistercian abbey was founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall and was once the centre of monastic life.

Owned by the National Trust, but maintained and managed by English Heritage, there is a museum on site and an excellent audio tour which details the history of the abbey. Discover how a phial, allegedly of Christ’s own blood, attracted pilgrims from far and wide, and see displays of sculpture and other interesting site finds.

Hailes Abbey rests along the Cotswolds Way footpath, the perfect stop-off during a scenic hike. The tranquil open grounds are perfect for a relaxing picnic in a uniquely historic setting and afterwards, you can pop into the adjacent parish church to see its fine medieval wall paintings.

Where to stay: Robin Cottage is a beautifully converted barn in Winchcombe offering stylish accommodation for four guests. Follow the Cotswold Way National Trail to reach Hailes Abbey by foot, 2.5 miles away.

Magical journeys by steam

One of the most relaxing ways to admire some of the Cotswolds best-loved views is from the comfort of a steam or heritage diesel train on the seasonal Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Without the worry of jostling through crowds of tourists, you can experience some of the most beautiful villages and breathtaking landscapes on a 28-mile journey from Cheltenham Racecourse up to Broadway.

Some of the wonderful views you will encounter include the Malvern Hills, the Vale of Evesham, Hailes Abbey, Tewkesbury Abbey, the sleepy hamlets of Stanley Pontlarge and Far Stanley, and Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds.

Hop off at Winchcombe Station for a bite to eat in the 1950s themed café and have a browse of its Discovery Coach where you can learn more about the history of the railway, before jumping back on the train to continue your magical journey. Rover tickets give you unlimited travel all day.

Where to stay: With a free-standing copper bath and a glowing wood burner, Pineapple Spa is perfect for families of four looking for some rest and rejuvenation. Toddington Station is only 10 miles away from where you can catch the GWSR.

Awe-inspiring views

For a peaceful picnic on a sunny day accompanied by sweeping views over the Regency town of Cheltenham, climb to the top of Leckhampton Hill and find yourself a quiet spot. This tranquil nature reserve is home to an array of birdlife including buzzards, kestrels and red kites, as well as carpets of pretty wildflowers and delicate orchids.

There is a myriad of walking routes through enchanting woodland, limestone grassland and across an Iron Age hillfort and long barrow, along with a downhill mountain bike trail. And no visit is complete without discovering The Devil’s Chimney, an unusual limestone rock formation that peaks over the hill.

Pick up supplies for your picnic from one of the many delis and food shops in Cheltenham before you ascend the hill – if you time your visit right, it will coincide with the farmers’ market that is held every second and last Friday of the month where you will find an incredible selection of local treats.

Where to stay: Bredons Norton – The Forge is an idyllic country retreat for four and a haven for walkers and cyclists. A stunning Victorian conservatory offers the perfect spot to unfurl with a good book and soak up the views after your adventures.

A hidden village

Most visitors to the Cotswolds tend to head straight for the more iconic picture-postcard towns and villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway. However, this means that they can get very busy during peak times of the year. So, if you’re looking to avoid this tourist trail, then the unspoilt Cotswold village of Naunton is a great place to spend a day.

Relatively untouched by tourism, you won’t find stately homes, museums and tearooms here, just one welcoming pub and plenty of peace and quiet. It’s set in a lovely spot on the River Windrush where golden stone cottages wind their way along sleepy lanes.

The church of St Andrew is a wonderful place to sit for a while to admire its medieval sundial and gargoyles adorning the perpendicular tower windows. You can also follow one of the lanes up the hill, past the village’s famous 17th-century dovecote for some spectacular panoramas over the village and surrounding landscape.

Where to stay: Enjoy your own little hideaway at Naunton Little Barn which embodies the charming, peaceful features of the village. A tranquil oasis for two in the heart of the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds is an idyllic destination for a quiet, relaxing escape, so why not take a look at the range of self-catering accommodation available at Holidays In The Cotswolds and start planning your next visit.

The post 5 spots in the Cotswolds where you can avoid the crowds appeared first on Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture.

Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/inspiration/5-spots-in-the-cotswolds-where-you-can-avoid-the-crowds/

source https://coragemonik.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/5-spots-in-the-cotswolds-where-you-can-avoid-the-crowds/

[carlsonknives]

GLAMPING | A Weekend Of Glamping & Walking at Whitemead Forest Park

The path leading to the pods at Whitemead Forest Park

Where Did We Go?

Whitemead Forest Park Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4LA

Tel: [phone] Prices: From £48.00 per night for a glamping pod that sleeps up to 4 people

Our Stay

Setting off late on Friday afternoon, we’re well and truly in holiday mode as we drive from Cheshire down to Gloucestershire. We decide on the scenic route, taking in the beautiful Shropshire countryside and as the sun sets we make good time, pulling up at Whitemead Forest Park at around 7:30pm.

The Mega Pod X we stayed in

We receive a warm greeting and are told all about the park facilities and given directions to find our glamping pod, our home for the next 3 days. We park up in the designed space for The Hollow 19, unpack the car and spend a few minutes walking the short distance from the car park to our pod.

Once all bags are safely inside we close the door and take in the interior space. The Mega Pod X is bright and spacious and very well appointed with a big sofa (which also turns into a bed should you need to sleep more than 2), a comfy double bed, a small bathroom with shower and even a little kitchen.

Inside the Mega Pod X

Getting our priorities right, we start off by filling the little fridge with Gin and tonic water, before going on a walk around the site to get our bearings, no mean feat in the dark, but the areas by the pods all have clearly marked paths with low-level lighting so as not to detract from the dark skies, which make for some great star gazing.

Forest Point, the main facilities block at Whitemead Forest Park

We end up at the main Forest Point building which includes Foresters Restaurant & Bar and we’re relieved to find that despite our late arrival, we’ve still got plenty of time to grab drinks at the bar and have some dinner. We choose fajitas and ribs, and are delighted to find they even stock our favourite Whitley Neill gin behind the bar.

Chicken fajitas and ribs in Foresters Restaurant

Sated and relaxed, we return back to the pod. At this point the weather is still dry, and we’re slightly disappointed not to have a fire pit (shown in the pictures on the website), having bought a bag of logs and kindling with us, anticipating sitting outside beside the fire in the evening, though as the weather turns on the second night our disappointment is short lived.

Some of the lovely grounds at Whitemead Forest Park

We wake after a lovely sleep on Saturday to great weather and after breakfast (the full English and the veggie breakfasts are pretty good) we head off on foot to explore and spend a few hours out walking in the Forest.

Back at the pods after a morning out walking

We return in time for afternoon tea, which we’d pre-booked for early afternoon, just before we’re due to try archery, and the quirky picnic bench is full of yummy food and sweet treats. Although not sweet-toothed, and thoroughly stuffed from the stilton soup, mini fish and chips, burger and brie bites, we opt for a doggy-bag and take the various cakes and cookies back to our pod.

Afternoon tea picnic bench at Whitemead Forest Park

Archery proves to be a lot of fun with good instruction and some fun games to keep it interesting. My companion for the weekend experiences what can only be explained as serious beginners luck; having never done archery before, he manages an impressive 5 bullseyes to my much less impressive 2, though I feel as the session continues that my aim is getting better and I’m more regularly hitting decent numbers, as opposed to missing the target entirely.

Archery at Whitemead Forest Park

We’ve glamped in such a wide variety of accommodation in the last few years, but the most ubiquitous has to be timber glamping pods similar to those we are staying in, and it’s easy to understand why they’re such a popular choice. They provide warm, comfortable accommodation whatever the weather making them a practical option, and at Whitemead they have several different types of accommodation to choose from, from lodges and apartments through to several different kinds of pods, starting from the B&B Pod right up to the Mega Pod XL.

A giant Redwood in the grounds of the park

Site Facilities

As well as various different accommodation options including caravan touring pitches, the site has excellent facilities. The grounds are attractive and very well kept, with lots of green open spaces, and of course lots of trees! We spotted countless squirrels and pheasants in the grounds and loved the little bug hotel and the stunning huge Redwood tree.

The bug hotel at Whitemead Forest Park

There’s a shooting range, indoor pool, a really well-equipped gym and there’s also nightly entertainment too, with everything from bingo to live music. Although that’s not really our thing, it appeared to be packed out every night! Activities wise, like us you can choose archery, or if you fancy it zorbing, crossbow shooting, fencing, teddy bear making and more. Take a look at Go Active at Whitemead Forest Park to find out more.

One of the two kids play parks

As well as a huge field for ball games and running around, there’s also giant outdoor chess, table tennis and there are two really lovely play parks for the kids, though we gazed longingly at the adventure play park (above) wishing they had an adult version!

Out and About

The Forest of Dene is a really lovely area with loads to do. Usually we’d pack our time with heaps of sight seeing and activities, but this weekend was mainly about some much needed relaxation and with storm Freya making an appearence, the pod provided a snug and cosy sanctuary.

Making the most of the stormy weather in our rain ponchos

Out walking, we found the Dean Forest Railway, a lovely heritage railway, though we didn’t quite manage to get the timing right for a ride, but it’s only a short 10 minute away from Whitemead Forest Park.

The Dean Forest Railway

The Forest of Dene is right on your doorstep making it easy to head out on foot to explore the lovely woodland. The area is superb for both walkers and mountain bikers but not too far away, you’ll find visitor attractions like Puzzlewood, Goodrich Castle and the Forest of Dene Sculpture Trail.

Out walking in the Forest of Dene

The Verdict

We had a fantastic long weekend break and returned home feeling truly refreshed and like we really had been ‘away’. With staycations on the rise and so many different types of holiday parks and glamping sites to choose from, Whitemead Forest Park is perfect for family holidays and ideal as a weekend getaway for couples.

The park is really pretty with plenty of wide open green spaces and of course lots of trees, so you really do get the feeling that you are in a forest, rather than just in another uninspiring holiday park. The leisure facilities are very good and there’s a great selection of accommodation to choose from. The glamping pod we stayed in provided a really cosy and comfy base and there’s plenty for families to do and great facilities to keep the kids entertained.

Some of the grounds

Pros

Great value for money, from the accommodation to the activities – far better value than a stay at somewhere like Center Parcs for example.

Table service in Foresters restaurant was very good and service throughout our stay was good. Hayley in particular who we dealt with a few times was superb.

There’s a good choice of food on the menu and the quality of food was good too.

The restaurant area was bright and modern and nice to spend time in.

Good on-site facilities including a great little shop and superb leisure facilities with a gym and an indoor pool.

Archery was a lot of fun, with great instruction and there are lots of other options to choose if that doesn’t take your fancy.

The location of the site is really good and you can go walking in the Forest of Dean right from the site.

Cons

Storage in the pods isn’t great. We used the space under the double bed to keep our bags, but there’s nowhere to hang anything, so you’ll need to live out of your bags.

The weather was wet and stormy and we really could have done with a doormat as we found the wooden floor got really wet and muddy and it was difficult to keep clean in bad weather.

Thank you to Boundless Breaks UK who invited us to stay at Whitemead Forest Park. We were not paid to write this review.

The post GLAMPING | A Weekend Of Glamping & Walking at Whitemead Forest Park appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Active, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

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GreenMech’s new Aborist 200 chipper on show at Confor Woodland Show

GreenMech will be exhibiting their new Arborist 200 chipper at the Confor Woodland Show 2017 – the largest model in their Arborist range. In addition, visitors to stand E6 will also be able to see the ArbTrak 150 and CS100 machines and consult with the sales team for comprehensive technical advice.

The Arborist 200 is the newest introduction to GreenMech’s traditional in-line format, road-tow chipper range and picks up where the popular Arborist 150 leaves off. It features a generous 1200mm x 840mm in-feed hopper which aids bushy brash reduction and leads to a generous 200mm x 280mm letterbox-style in-feed throat opening. The twin horizontal, hydraulic rollers are powered by a 45hp turbo diesel engine and efficiently crush woody material with minimal lateral movement. As with the rest of the Arborist range, the Arborist 200 features a range of new features including a folding table, bottom control bars, LED lights, infeed touch controls and GreenMech’s patented disc-blade technology as standard.

Also on show is GreenMech’s ArbTrak 150 chipper, launched in 2012 to effortlessly get to hard-to-reach locations alongside the compact gravity-feed CS100, designed with the professional Landscaper, Arborist or Parks Manager in mind.

Supporting GreenMech at the show will be Ashley Stevens of newly appointed local dealer GA Groundcare. Responsible for the Wiltshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire areas, GA Groundcare specialise in professional and commercial groundcare and arboricultural equipment, changing suppliers to GreenMech in May 2017.