Walker, nature lover, home baker, bookworm, would-be cat slave, francophile. European (still livid about Brexit).
Case officer for The Open Spaces Society - protecting public access to paths & open spaces.
Views my own.
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npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283
Profile Code
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Published at
2023-05-15T15:37:41+02:00 Event JSON
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Last Notes npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton The population of bank voles in our garden seems to have exploded. They’re getting fat on the seeds that birds drop from the feeder (I also suspect that they’re the reason the flowers have disappeared from some bulbs I’d planted). No doubt a sparrow hawk or the grass snake we’ve seen will disappear a few voles. #nature #wildlife https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/773/440/899/714/595/original/ba4df2aec1077b60.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub10zv…nz7m have a lovely break 🥰 npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1y98…gke7 there’s a bit about them here and links to further info https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/living-and-working/farming/ponies npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday #BloomScrolling https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/586/458/164/441/415/original/45129e5ed918d490.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax yes that would be much more satisfying than binning it. I will have to make do with tearing it into pieces. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax oh I’m sure! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Had our first campaign leaflet through the door this morning…Reform UK. It looks like a badly-done school project. #UKPolitics #UKElection npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday #BloomScrolling https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/506/923/271/798/594/original/69e2f65d58a9f77c.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Yellow and purple varieties of the elderflowered orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina), and the pale orchid or pale-flowered orchid (Orchis pallens). Growing in the Pyrénées. #BloomScrolling #Wildflowers #WildOrchids https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/486/815/387/692/241/original/a110448272bc7229.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/486/832/074/386/608/original/c151fbe65e4d7951.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A red-backed shrike, aka the butcher bird for its delightful habit of impaling prey (insects, small birds and animals) on thorn bushes (or barbed wire). #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/480/702/207/792/012/original/c1130391aa00830b.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Also saw one of the prettiest orchids…the burnt tip orchid. I must look up the name of the blue flowers in the background. They grow everywhere here and are just the perfect shade of blue. #BloomScrolling #Wildflowers #WildOrchids https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/469/957/388/380/275/original/5aa5ce1afd0a747f.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/466/439/933/169/861/original/6ff6292a0287fa91.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton No idea what type of boeuf this was but it was rather impressive- looking (I was also glad to be on the other side of a substantial electric fence). #CowsOfMastodon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/463/787/547/396/110/original/e1667a15b2365b17.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Back at the gîte some smol voidlets are becoming a bit more mobile. Very wobbly on their feets and not at all sure about people (quite rightly). #Cats #kittens https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/452/643/957/305/180/original/8fc864bd6ae497e1.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton We then didn’t feel quite so smug about having watched this from a distance. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/452/542/477/338/490/original/84de575ae46e0be7.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton The early birds get into the chateau before the ticket office opens 😁. We had Lastours to ourselves which was fantastic. Very glad we postponed our walk in the Pyrenees as some naughty looking clouds over in that direction. It’s possible that they even had snow ❄️. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/446/179/340/252/962/original/6e22b4a790f76a74.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/446/182/794/483/490/original/41e2b45baac33c9d.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton From yesterday’s walk the biggest moth EVER! Ok the biggest moth in Europe maybe…the giant peacock moth. Difficult to get a clear photo without disturbing it - hand in one photo for scale! #moth https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/346/407/161/682/original/1410c9c49efae2fe.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/346/698/176/955/original/8a9466953d8c5dc7.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/350/599/393/329/original/7d3f823c8f7c3751.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Another highlight of today was finding more orchids…military and man. #Wildflowers #WildOrchids https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/271/501/730/930/original/1a077e0350fe54cc.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/277/038/674/643/original/46c3dc0ab8f85d85.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton We had big rains today and I needed a rest, but after a lazy morning and a leisurely lunch the rain let up…so we had a local bimble…and saw bee-eaters! #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/133/982/500/502/original/f80702859c68306e.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/441/137/017/625/788/original/046636c4716b0d68.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton From prize roses to wild orchids, seen on a walk from Camon. #Wildflowers #WildOrchids https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/430/203/004/939/588/original/84c0afd29ee57006.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/430/204/382/111/645/original/6b5cd7c97d101252.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/430/211/561/111/177/original/d6a0469e2e9af4e2.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/430/213/581/861/668/original/1e53b6f016da9d2e.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/429/100/533/005/699/original/a0a9d893a1c20eb1.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Montpellier is a beautiful little city. We didn’t have long but we explored the narrow streets of the old town, bedecked with bunting and colourful painting. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/423/470/143/315/234/original/381ecd2a6e6521ec.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/423/470/402/884/078/original/e4b7455ff77eba8d.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/423/470/677/241/345/original/27e6a2774c398691.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Just a frog, sitting on its lily pad. #frogs https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/422/632/470/098/096/original/fa72a45d410a3ada.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub128a…lww3 it is beautiful. Much hotter than I’m used to though! It doesn’t take much for me. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton So we made it to Montpellier. The #train journey couldn’t have been smoother or faster. It was lovely to see the landscape change as we sped down through France - pasture and woodland giving way to lavender fields and vineyards, with a backdrop of the snow-topped alps. Once here we had a lovely meal in the old town while swifts screamed overhead. Will do a spot of sightseeing tomorrow before we head on to Carcassonne for the main part of our trip. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph I don’t mind at all! Ultimately we’re headed to somewhere near Carcassonne but we’re going as far as Montpellier tonight. We’ll have a day there tomorrow then continue on our way. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Made it to Paris. One more train to go today…after some rehydration. #alcohol https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/416/637/332/892/206/original/0d194b63a4ba1e3b.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1hqx…944s yikes! Frisky indeed. More alarming because you were downslope and they don’t have brakes! Do you often find that cattle react to a bike like this? It must be a bit of a novelty for them. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1eav…g6f3 thank you! We wanted to train instead of flying for that reason. It certainly takes more planning and sadly it’s more expensive, but it’s also a great adventure and part of the fun! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1eav…g6f3 if I could have moved an inch to take a photo. Packed in like sardines. I did not like it! Tomorrow morning might be better, then we’re on the Eurostar to France! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1eav…g6f3 from that to the London Underground was a bit of a shock to the system. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Train no.1 and a sunny yet hazy view from the window! #TrainTravel https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/410/803/904/306/434/original/5fe9102c33330d95.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Headed up to Emsworthy Mire nature reserve (my happy place) on Dartmoor early this morning because cuckoos! I don’t think it’s possible to not see or hear them there at this time of year. My taking a decent photo of one is another matter though. Common redstarts and willow warblers aplenty, also curlews and, heard but not seen, snipe and a nightjar! #birds #nature https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/393/710/536/689/628/original/7ac4f697befbd12b.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A beautiful rose chafer beetle taking a moment to dry off after the rain. #Insect #Beetle https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/389/015/072/581/983/original/e0b42632a45fce9e.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A throwback to two years ago and this wonderful wild garlic-lined bridleway. It was part of an absolutely cracking 15 mile walk I did from Kingsbridge to Dartmouth on a perfect May day. Need more of those now! Also, a reminder that the weekend is in sight! #ThrowbackThursday #Walking #Devon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/372/096/897/320/987/original/d9635bfac97b661b.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Taking the chance to get out for a short walk before yet more rain moves in 🙄. The bluebells are out en masse now, mingling with the wild garlic. #GetOutside #BloomScrolling https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/353/931/456/299/941/original/7a5905ffc841e92c.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A few blooms from Dartmoor woodlands and hedge banks this week for #WildflowerHour #BloomScrolling https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/350/488/219/652/855/original/4875513d850382f5.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/350/489/274/368/784/original/08a8dac8b377b8e8.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/350/492/720/810/051/original/3ead4755f1c24b17.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/350/493/069/488/370/original/ce63dc77ab1ca87c.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Mr Robin has been my gardening companion this weekend. Sadly, his and his mate’s nest failed, and no sign yet of another, but seems to be eating for a brood 😁. Mostly content to nab grubs and spiders that I’ve uncovered, but still up for the occasional mealworm treat. #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/350/211/217/643/324/original/55b6cde73428f16f.mp4 npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/348/999/100/259/944/original/a56cb5be5db1c2ce.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton On my way back from the shop I stopped to say hello to one of my favourite neighbourhood cats. My husband and I refer to him as the little grey cat. Anyway, a lady today told me that he’s called Gatsby! Photo from a previous encounter. #CatsOfMastodon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/336/736/626/613/024/original/493907181f03441c.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1a0g…ae8f I think my robins’ nest failed 😔. He was taking food for her again last week so I thought maybe they were having another go but I’ve only seen Mr Robin since and he eats but doesn’t take anything away. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Saw this fine moustachioed chap on my bimble yesterday. I think this might be a favourite perch! #birds #nature https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/322/217/969/784/479/original/f0299667ac396103.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Trees and calming birdsong should anyone need it this Monday. Edited alt-text to mention robin too! #Nature #AndBreathe https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/314/780/820/696/867/original/29ac5f18b1a5f70d.mp4 npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton The sun has been toying with us today but it came back out in time for a cream tea in the garden…Devon-style of course. #food https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/309/655/650/197/475/original/c6770ae670233894.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph LG looks such a sweetie. I’m glad you’ll have time for plenty more cuddles 🥰 . npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph we have loads of bespattered cushions 😂 npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph that’s great to hear…but ear drops?! Good luck! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1a0g…ae8f aw that’s lovely! I don’t know what ours are doing. The parents are busy collecting food still though. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub139m…6cf9 I love the song of a willow warbler. I know that better than a visual id. Beautiful photo. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Lots of brimstone flutterbies about today. This one obliged me by stopping for a moment. #butterflies #nature https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/259/440/379/242/239/original/23804bbdcb08097a.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I just love woodlands, especially this time of year, full of birdsong. It’ll be even better come May. The bluebells will be out then too. Saw pied flycatcher in Holne Woods. Didn’t get a photo, obvs, so this punky blackcap will have to suffice. Oh and a mandarin duck! #birds #nature https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/258/762/071/499/896/original/a270cc5576b9fe49.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/258/767/618/801/659/original/8eda03d9e395dcee.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I totally missed #WildflowerHour earlier (it’s been one of those days 🙄), but on a visit to the Chilterns this week I came across some cowslips. The flowers not quite open yet, but almost. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/231/884/089/590/325/original/68096693ebea3b8d.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I seem to have mislaid my motivation. If you happen to see it, please could you let me know. Thank you 🙏. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/229/784/490/519/809/original/c58001481269d415.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I’m so done with all this rain. I tried doing some gardening in the sunny spells between showers, but it’s such a claggy mess. Quite overwhelming how much there is to be done 😔. At least the plum blossom is pretty 🌸 🌸🌸. #BloomScrolling https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/196/147/059/570/825/original/7379c777ab422db6.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton The Longstone, on the edge of Shovel Down, by Chagford Common, Dartmoor. Part of the large Shovel Down group of prehistoric monuments, it stands at the southern end of an avenue of stone rows. It was later used as a boundary stone, with letters carved into it to mark the boundaries of the parishes of Chagford and Gidleigh, and the Duchy of Cornwall lands. #StandingStoneSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/189/387/995/987/567/original/fa7db102a2f7c1f0.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I take lots of photos of stonechats, but who wouldn’t given a chance…they’re so perky! Besides, they’re such posers. #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/186/451/730/482/360/original/10563f668515aec1.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Oh and there was the leaving party as I was headed home. What I didn’t manage to get a photo of were the two other ponies in a field on the opposite side of the lane with their heads over the wall. I interrupted a meeting it seems. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/185/514/850/513/861/original/dcd783994c22e707.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton And ponies! https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/184/747/346/940/253/original/cdd164d16d0ba54c.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Lambs and more lambs! #SheepOfMastodon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/184/676/310/041/861/original/0245c96d5afc0710.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/184/696/395/241/971/original/9a2024b5706403eb.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Probably my best attempt at sourdough hot cross buns so far. Although I think I need to use a bigger piping nozzle for the crosses! #food #baking https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/178/231/085/867/578/original/1aa30641053763e9.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A gnarly, mossy beech tree for #ThickTrunkTuesday #mosstodon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/163/054/657/558/025/original/015611e9f2dacfd8.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I’m not the only one enjoying the sunshine in the garden (not getting much weeding done). First orange tip I’ve seen this year. #butterflies https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/150/686/015/872/225/original/c36a90e00963f647.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/149/554/492/167/089/original/3bf7fd03688c0baa.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A few more pics from today’s walk around and about Lustleigh Cleave. #walking #mosstodon https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/141/392/172/535/471/original/00deda18996a71b9.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/141/393/287/993/080/original/db2187b4eb753c90.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/141/394/398/053/593/original/3ed607c52423ae49.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/141/395/457/237/066/original/896360311a2d5672.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton As I was passing a garden (to a most beautiful old mill house in the woods…not envious at all) I stopped to watch this nuthatch repeatedly visiting an ornamental tree to take pieces of the peeling papery bark as nesting material. I even managed to get a couple of not so blurry photos. #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/140/509/564/463/724/original/ea1fc47b09811ffe.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Sunshine ☀️ and a distant view of Haytor (left) and Hound Tor (right) from Hunters Tor. #GetOutside #Dartmoor https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/139/715/499/497/898/original/172ab614b966c3f8.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton This is Clam Bridge next to a more modern footbridge, hence the ford for horses. Can still use the old bridge at your own risk. It’s a little nerve-wracking - I’ve only gone partway. #bridge https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/139/102/578/927/061/original/3edc6e07eac7b1d4.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #FingerpostFriday and #FootpathFriday though technically I’m on a bridleway 😁. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/139/054/974/156/845/original/42c84c9aba074518.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub14ka…um78 who makes up these days anyway! Toads I have, although they might take exception to being lumped in with frogs 😁. https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/128/058/660/376/648/original/40a9319870908dcb.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Apparently today is #WorldFrogDay, which is an excellent excuse to fill timelines with froggy photos! I only find toads in my garden (is there a World Toad Day I wonder?) but here’s a frog wallowing in the garden pond of my holiday accommodation in SouthWest France last spring. #nature https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/127/215/302/195/326/original/48758d971f822c41.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1eav…g6f3 yes, quite lovely. I saw another good one on my way back but it was off my route and it was raining…another day! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton My friend the perky stone chat. Also a meadow pipit that sat still long enough for a photo. #birds https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/467/503/998/118/original/9b3bc02ad22758d9.jpeg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/467/768/974/735/original/f17011a6cdfee3d3.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Oof! I might have overdone it a little bit today. I’ve had low energy levels these last couple of days so thought I’d go for a 12.5 mile hike on the moor 🤔. Felt further with the sodden peat sucking at my boots every step. Lovely in the sunshine though with the sound of skylarks, stone chats and meadow pipits. Several stone circles and stone rows to investigate. Then the ‘weather’ came in, and it became quite a slog back. Found me a quaking mire which was fun! #walking #StoneCircle https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/354/743/469/062/original/b152f93fe62213c4.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/355/433/091/382/original/990244474a6f3253.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/356/349/527/599/original/b73075b5faa98f2b.jpg https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/118/356/822/497/210/original/505784accf56ba69.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax just as well indeed! Can’t remember it so soggy. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax that looks like fun! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1y98…gke7 it did feel quite continental in that courtyard 😊. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton This huge plane tree is apparently one of the oldest architecturally planted trees in the world. Planted as a sapling in 1793 in a lovely little courtyard adjacent to Bath Abbey. #ThickTrunkTuesday https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/082/757/556/858/694/original/b83f909fea2a515d.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I couldn’t sleep last night so stayed up reading ‘The Wild Silence’ by Raynor Winn, a continuation of her memoir that started with ‘The Salt Path’. It centres around the healing power of walking in nature, and also touches on how we can conserve the environment and help nature heal. Given all that, I really don’t know why it’s taken me this long to get around to reading it! Beautiful and powerful. I’ve just reserved the next book ‘Landlines’ through my library. #Bookstodon #Books npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday #MarshMadness https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/070/726/029/921/205/original/ad9cfa5cdab9ecbd.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A #Caturday themed photo memory from 10 years ago…a cake topper I made for a friend’s little girl Olive’s first birthday, based on her favourite story books ‘The Church Mice’ by Graham Oakley. The cake was the top tier from my friend’s wedding cake which I only had to decorate. #Food https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/112/067/462/939/979/752/original/512be15947d2316b.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I wait years to see a fox and now two in one week! And this time I had my camera. Definitely a different fox as I’m in a whole different county today. #nature #wildlife https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/054/436/662/717/130/original/c3d8c7f7de344e8e.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph cute aren’t they 😊 npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I forgot that it’s Tuesday - I’m all out of sync this week. These oak trees seem like two halves of a whole. #ThickTrunkTuesday https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/044/119/605/646/516/original/2e90d36cd7bec944.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton A boundary stone or guide stone known as Kit’s Stone or Little Man on Puper’s Hill, near Buckfastleigh. ‘Pupers’ is believed to be derived from ‘Pipers’. Legend has it that three dancers were caught dancing on Puper's Hill on a Sunday and turned to stone; the nearby rock piles known as Outer, Middle and Inner Pupers. The Piper was also caught and he was turned into this lone boundary stone. #StandingStoneSunday https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/031/003/077/093/903/original/1fee81136416f450.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/030/603/956/612/531/original/28c2902c5cce2026.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Floofy gatekeeper #SheepOfMastodon https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/026/441/916/257/629/original/87ca4f7b32d0e506.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I was headed out to do the food shopping earlier but saw there’d been another dusting of snow on the moor and I had boots in the car so… I passed the sledging hordes on Haytor and went to my happy place, the solitude of Emsworthy Mire nature reserve. Only a smattering of the white stuff but still pretty. Not having my camera I obviously had the most magical wildlife encounters. Treecreepers, goldcrests and a beautiful fox! Now to food shopping, in my muddy jeans. https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/112/026/110/181/584/159/original/3f2b9b262db47739.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1fpr…lyph I’ve never been anyone’s hero!! npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton There is actual (*whispers*) blue sky and no rain forecast so I’m out out! #GetOutside #walking https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/997/091/956/796/730/original/af08c277c14b5548.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/991/476/803/219/737/original/90aeb318907be2f2.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1eav…g6f3 you’re welcome. Originally suggested to me on here too, thanks @npub1r4c…kwdd 😊. It’s a worthy booker prize winner. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton “…the end of the world is always a local event, it comes to your country and visits your town and knocks on the door of your house and becomes to others but some distant warning, a brief report on the news…”. I’ve just read Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. A powerful & moving book. I’d say it’s a ‘must read’ for our times. Will stay with me. The writing style (no para breaks, dialogue not in quote marks) took time to get into but it gave a real sense of what the character was experiencing. #books npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax very difficult 😞. One of my old cats had an allergic reaction to something - nothing like this though - and we never got to the bottom of it. The vets treated the symptoms and it did clear up. Hoping she’s on the mend soon. npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton @npub1v5a…5yax aw bless her! I hope she is better soon. Any idea what she reacted to? npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Pretty skies to make up for a lousy day. https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/970/763/723/761/194/original/d72acafea14aa333.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Needed to move a box in the garage to get something…I’m very glad my husband volunteered for the job instead. I asked if he could get a better photo but he refused. #spider https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/964/941/558/572/497/original/9bb3e58d35c7ce60.jpeg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton I don’t often have anything for #StandingStoneSunday but happened upon this impressive double stone row on Friday - Hurston Ridge at the south end of Chagford Common near the Warren House Inn on Dartmoor. https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/951/828/492/693/278/original/14c64efee59fc833.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton #SilentSunday https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/951/782/398/372/744/original/f64716fb9b0fe0ee.jpg npub15ss3xwn8dyrx7wjg6wpfwfrjwuq8ryykxkpdcy8694wssl78u5uqftv283 Helen Clayton Some good news for nature. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vital-new-wetland-habitat-protected-with-announcement-of-a-new-kings-national-nature-reserve #nature #ClimateAction #wetlands