Bonney pointed me in the right direction and told me to cross the playing fields to get there. I nearly had the area to myself when I arrived 10 minutes later except for a few jiggers and dog walkers. This area includes part of the Roding river and was previously a farm. A large area is set aside for sports use and a small footbridge takes you over to the preserve. About the time I got there the sun went behind some clouds and the wind dropped the temperature noticeably. A series of footpaths meander through various small wooded pastures that are maintained by fencing and gates. I headed downstream generally and enjoyed the quiet although I wasn't far from the heart of the city. Jeff takes daily walks here and I can see why. I enjoyed some bird sightings including a few new ones but mainly focused on the lush vegetation and moist conditions in spite of October being only a day away. It seems that the land trust uses traditional, low impact methods mainly to manage the land including grazing by longhorn cattle at times. There isn't much information or guidance beyond trail arrows. I did come across an area that was flagged to stay out due to a sewage leak so there is more to the preserve than I was told. I did note that the preserve is known for spring wildflowers as well as rare butterflies and dragonflies too.
I caught a glimpse of a bright blue kingfisher in flight and a stealthy northern flicker. Both were new sightings for me. I also saw a number of common species and was sure that more were there to be seen given the time. I needed to head back in time for brunch but enjoyed a fine nature walk right out of my front door.
Back at the house it was fun to watch Amy, Debbie and Lisa divide up some fudge from our Cambridge trip yesterday. Brunch included eggs, bagels, bacon, lox, coffee, tea and more in great quality and quantity. The real feast however was the family banter which was fast, fun, and filled with sharp wit. This tradition only lacked Julia who was home tracking a big database project rollout she is responsible for. We did get to spend time with her yesterday when she took time off to show us around her stomping grounds including Cambridge.
Soon after we were stuffed, Jeff offered to show us part of Epping Forest. This area has been preserved by London for the enjoyment of all and has been managed for around 800 years. A deciduous forest, we saw the early signs of fall colors as well as a diverse mix of mushrooms and fungi. The ground was damp and everything was lush at a time back home that would be a tinder box. Our stroll was interesting with lots of discussion and partially answered questions about management, history and more. The weather and day of the week had many others out enjoying the day too. There were signs of human activity going back perhaps 2000 years or more. The remaining forest is quite narrow in places on the map but still connected over its 15 mile or so length. We'll have to do more homework to get to the technical questions but the open space, mix of familiar and different species, and time spent with someone who has enjoyed the forest for many years was a real treat.
We got back and had a relaxing time while preparing for another adventure to the Cotswalls tomorrow with a tasty dinner cooking downstairs. Who said travel has to be hard?
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