Streets and streams, meadows and woods

We were blessed with glorious weather when we set out on our walk on Tuesday. The company was good, the accumulated knowledge various and willingly shared. We walked uphill and down dale, rested in a field of buttercups, and finished at Eat in the Park.

And no one opted out!

Following a lead, we identified Butcher's Broom (aka Box Holly, Broom, Jew's Myrtle, Knee Holly, Kneeholm, Pettigree, Sweet Broom) growing in Summerfield Woods (whereupon I realised my daughter has it growing in her garden!) Following it up on the Internet, to make sure we were right, I discover that it is recognised as a herb, and has many curative properties.

Like holly and mistletoe, which it resembles, it has separate male and female plants. Flowers are succeeded by scarlet berries which remain through the winter and are often used like holly for room decorations. The name "butcher's broom" probably comes from the old-time practice of using bunches of the twigs tied together to scrub butcher's chopping blocks to remove grease.

Next walk

Pett Levels - Military Canal (3 miles) 27th July 2010

More details, including meeting points and public transport options, will appear here shortly.

See you there?

Tuesday, June 22nd - Walk - Hastings

Parks, Woods & Streetscapes

We assemble at 10am at Hastings Railway Station, by the telephone kiosks on the lower side.

Walking boots and stick are recommended. This is an unusual walk through several of the fine green spaces in Hastings. Although there are places where you are walking in suburban streets, there are also long sections of wood and parkland where you would think you were miles from the town.

Bring sandwiches, or have a well-earned (maybe rather late) lunch at Cafe in the Park, in Alexandra Park.

Four Forays for June 22nd walk!

Walk - Tuesday 22nd June 2010

Yes, four times now I have been out to make sure the route is going to work; I don't have exact timings, but don't let this put you off, there are many points at which you can opt out!

Not that you'll want to, unless, perhaps, it is teeming.

Back in May the first part of the walk was in full Spring bloom, really lovely, it will be interesting to compare. Wasn't all straightforward though, apart from the map misleading me, a path was closed, a tree had fallen across the alternative, and there were all these enticing paths trying to tempt me - but I resisted.

Hope to see you there!