August

The hot dry weather this summer has brought the seasons a little forward and there is a feeling of September after a summery August with plants heads and grasses changing to autumn colours and some berries already ripened. Large parts of the land beside the reservoir looks quite stark until you get closer. On a bright sunny morning the grasses and remaining smaller plants sparkle light and you can feel serenity of simpleness of nature.

You have to take care in looking to see how the purple clover has transformed into english red petals before they release themselves leaving the seed heads to ensure a new display next year.

Even though we have entered a transitional stage which i adore there is still a summery essence of warm days and picnic to have. Find a sunny place to sit quietly with the energy of the plants and trees soaking up its qualities , especially those wild flowers and grasses enjoying the view across the reservoir : why not sit with them and enjoy peacefulness.

The Rowan and Raspberries are bright red and the blackberries await for their turn in 4/5 weeks time. It has been so hot and dry i have not collected any berries and left them for the creatures who need them the most.

It has been a Purple month but still beautiful yellows are scattered. The large Thistles have mainly turned to seed heads and look like Barristers waiting for court and are now purple Knapweeds are flourishing everywhere which Butterflies are enjoying in which their is so much energetic activity around them. . Grasses are so splendid and for myself worthy of my adoration and look forward to them turning into dried beautiful array of browns.

Closer to Kielder Waterfront the verges are bountiful with wild flowers especially cow parsley and some areas its larger cousin giant Hogweed which looks majestic and proud sat against the tall pine trees. Misty white flowery meadowsweet lines your path

The wooded areas offer respite from the harsh sun allowing the light to filter through the trees causing stripes of shadows as you wander along the pathway. You may find remnant of July’s Foxgloves and a adventurous bramble weaving itself around a tree stump. But , the woodland after rain in the winter awakens a different character to Bull Crag which i am looking forward to.