Delta Ged, Volunteer Ranger @ National Trust Lyme Park : Week 37 17/09/2014 Fungi Fiesta and Deer spotting

Photo Blog Week 37 - Wed 17 September 2014

A lovely September day with blue skies and the sun lighting up the colours of autumn appearing in the tips of the trees. Rolling pale seed covered grasses wave in gentle breezes as they flow over the undulating parkland. High pressure at this time of year meant no good views with a general haze in the air. Exceptionally warm for the time of year in low 20's C (around 70F for my American readers). It'll soon be necessary to include more clothing in my day pack.

Fungi are popping all over the place in a mass of varieties. I know nothing of these strange objects but am including photos with the simple label, "Fungi Fest'", for interest and their sheer aesthetic beauty.

It is getting close to the rut for the deer now and they seem to have all hidden away deep in their sanctuary other than two elder statesman Stags who'd found their way onto the Archery field. Antlers are now grown to full size and the mature stags offer a magnificent sight if you are lucky enough to spot them

After a break, I returned to developing some walking routes, test walking some of my draft guides, and immediately ran into problems. Tracks which are stronger in one season appear weaker in another and need additional guidance as to which to take. Landmarks I indicated to walk toward when I wrote a section early in the year cannot be seen through tree canopies now. Still, getting closer.

A long patrol this week, 9.8 miles over 6 1/4 hours so I'm afraid there are even more photo's than usual!

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route: Lyme Hall; Eastlodge drive; Coalpit Wood; Reservoirs; Red Lane Cottage; Admissions

Entering the courtyard from the North entrance

Inside the Courtyard

The high area of Park Moor through the tree tops near the Stables

The North Face of the Hall from track to East Lodge

Confused rhododendron flowering in September

Heading up from Coalpit Wood toward The Cage

Dull leaves of Coalpit Wood as autumn approaches.

Coalpit Wood is largely Sycamore which tends to deliver dull browning spotted leaves to autumn rather than the reds and golds of it's cousin the Maple.

The reservoirs empty and almost empty.

I think as a result of working operations. No drought this year.

Fungi Fest'

As I wrote last week, I won't be trying to identify fungi.

You are welcome to contribute via comments if it is your passion.

Meandering stream at North of the park

route: Admissions; Elmerhurst Wood; Crow Wood; Timberyard (lunch)

Elmerhurst Wood

Bridge on woodland track

Fungi Fest'

Vandalism today yet romantic in the 1964

Social values can be very confusing as times go by

Autumn horse chestnut carpet in Crow Wood

route: Timberyard; Crow Wood; Playscape; Turtle Brew; Four Winds; Green Farm; The Knott car park

A pretty blue flower hanging on to the edge of the Mill Pond by the Timberyard

Grandad's Tree

I often pass Grandad's Tree in Crow Wood and wonder about the Granddad and his Grandchildren.

Monkey Puzzle tree in the Play Scape

Beech Nuts opening into little 4 pronged stars before falling to the ground

This tree near Turtle Brew always makes me think of the Whomping Willow in Harry Potter

Park Moor the far side of Drinkwater Meadow

How the meadows would largely look now without the 'topping' going on in some areas

Walling Team back in action at Four Winds

a very hazy Manchester

Low cloud and looks like some rain beyond Manchester Airport

A 'Lunky' hole in wall above The Knott car park

route: The Knott car park; Haze Bank Wood; Deer Clough; Paddock Cottage

Fungi Fest'

Lots of Blackberries in the woods

Fungi Fest'

Haze Bank

This path is a delightful one running parallel to Westpark Drive.

Rocky outcrop among the bracken

Fungi Fest

The orange colouring is not fungi but an algae

Common Elder

Path heading up to difficult area above quarry area near Westparkgate

Fungi Fest'

3 Stages of one mushroom / toadstool

Fungi Fest': Anyone suggest what I should call a "mushroom" and what a "toadstool"?

Fungi Fest'

Path along valley side toward Cluse Hey

Two trees forming a single canopy

Across Cluse Hey and Park Moor to Bowestonegate Farm

Cluse Hey and Park Moor. The boundary wall heading up into the distance.

Paddock Cottage

route: Paddock Cottage; Drinkwater Meadow; Knightslow Wood; Lyme Avenue; Turfhouse Meadow; Hall and Car Park

Fungi Fest'

Sheep on Drinkwater Meadow are less jumpy than they used to be

The 'real' Darcy's Pool

(where BBC Pride and Prejudice Colin Firth gets wet shots were filmed)

Drinkwater Meadow and The Cage

Track from car park to Knightslow Wood

Fallow Deer

Fungi Fest'

Old quarry in Knightslow Wood

Fungi Fest'

Sun rays breaking through the trees in Knightslow Wood

Fungi Fest'

Lyme Avenue reinstatement form some years back establishing

Fallow deer Doe by Lyme Avenue

The mature section of Lyme Avenue approaching the Hall

Looking back up Lyme Avenue from the Hall end

Group of Fallow Deer in the wood

Colours in the view into the gardens

South face with Reflection Lake

Well camouflaged Doe in the grass

Red highlight in the garden. Japanese Maple I suspect.

Hamper's Bridge

Hamper's Bridge into the garden

Garden path from the bridge

Fungi Fest'

Amazing cattle on Turf House Meadow.

Though massive and powerful they are very placid. There are youngsters who are a bit skittish and jump back suddenly but if you are ready for that, gently walking past or even through them should present no problem. I chat to them in a soft voice when I'm close, I don't know whether it helps them, but it does me :)