Now with plenty of time on my hands I wanted to get out a bit more and explore the beautiful countryside that I have right on my doorstep.
What better way to do this than get out on my bike? Its been tucked in the shed rather unloved since I bought it last year, so I delved into a few maps and researched some excellent bike routes. One of these included dropping down into the park just behind my road, then heading through the beautiful wooded countryside, past center parcs, through Longleat and up to the Bath Arms to say hello to my boyfriend and grab a quick soda water and lime.
After distracting my boyfriend from work I would be back on my bike, through the village of Horningsham and down to shear water lake. Surrounded by gorgeous woodland it would be a perfect spot to stop for a picnic and look out for exciting wildlife. After relaxing by the lake I would hop back on the bike, through Crockerton, where if I didnt enjoy my picnic I could stop in a local pub for lunch, and back on the same route home.
I eagerly put on my cycling gear and rush outside to explore my newly planned route, only to walk outside into cold, drizzly rain. Maybe my new cycle route will have to wait until a nicer day. I decide to get out on my bike anyway and explore the first part of my route, round into the park and cut back up through Warminster.
As I cycle down the muddy, sodden trail something suddenly catches my eye. This area is a nature reserve. I explore a little further, Smallbrook meadows its called, and on first glimpse it looks like a connection of streams and ponds. As the rain gets heavier I decide to head on home.
At home I decide to research this newly found gem, right on my doorstep. It turns out Smallbrook meadows is an area of 6 small meadows and is a great spot for wildlife due to its wetlands. It also incorporates a small area of woodland. Its a small piece of beauty so close to home, how did I not know this existed?
After a bit more research my mouth suddenly drops to the floor when I discover this article. Otters?! Does that really say otters? Its listed as one of the greatest places to see otters! I can hardly believe my eyes! You may remember my post a wild to do list and that included search for wild otters. Now this seems within my grasp. I know where I'll be spending all my spare time! Fingers crossed for some otter sightings in the future!
What better way to do this than get out on my bike? Its been tucked in the shed rather unloved since I bought it last year, so I delved into a few maps and researched some excellent bike routes. One of these included dropping down into the park just behind my road, then heading through the beautiful wooded countryside, past center parcs, through Longleat and up to the Bath Arms to say hello to my boyfriend and grab a quick soda water and lime.
After distracting my boyfriend from work I would be back on my bike, through the village of Horningsham and down to shear water lake. Surrounded by gorgeous woodland it would be a perfect spot to stop for a picnic and look out for exciting wildlife. After relaxing by the lake I would hop back on the bike, through Crockerton, where if I didnt enjoy my picnic I could stop in a local pub for lunch, and back on the same route home.
I eagerly put on my cycling gear and rush outside to explore my newly planned route, only to walk outside into cold, drizzly rain. Maybe my new cycle route will have to wait until a nicer day. I decide to get out on my bike anyway and explore the first part of my route, round into the park and cut back up through Warminster.
As I cycle down the muddy, sodden trail something suddenly catches my eye. This area is a nature reserve. I explore a little further, Smallbrook meadows its called, and on first glimpse it looks like a connection of streams and ponds. As the rain gets heavier I decide to head on home.
At home I decide to research this newly found gem, right on my doorstep. It turns out Smallbrook meadows is an area of 6 small meadows and is a great spot for wildlife due to its wetlands. It also incorporates a small area of woodland. Its a small piece of beauty so close to home, how did I not know this existed?
After a bit more research my mouth suddenly drops to the floor when I discover this article. Otters?! Does that really say otters? Its listed as one of the greatest places to see otters! I can hardly believe my eyes! You may remember my post a wild to do list and that included search for wild otters. Now this seems within my grasp. I know where I'll be spending all my spare time! Fingers crossed for some otter sightings in the future!
Photo by: mape_s
