Martin's Mag.

By Kilkenny Bay, Portishead.

In Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve (Avon Wildlife Trust).

After the plums and figs, it’s the turn of the pears. Just a fraction of the total crop.

A walk along the river Avon to the east of Bristol, passing the famous Bees Tea Gardens and a heron or two.

There are many things which are usually better in anticipation than actuality. Two of them are picnics and bank holidays. Not this year, though! Portishead Lake Grounds, and the weather, excelled themselves. Everyone knew that rain was forecast for Tuesday, so there was a, hopefully misplaced, “end of Summer” feel to the occasion. [Photos by those present, but not me.]

A pre-Beeching bridge, which is still awaiting the re-instatement of the Bristol to Portishead railway line.

Sal was cutting back the wisteria on our balcony and discovered these temporary residents. Usually, nests are vacated by this time of year – these are probably a second brood. Mum is keeping watch from a distance, i.e. our front garden wall.

Discovering the joys of living beside the seaside.

Four nights in Shropshire, selected solely because the weather forecast looked good. Stayed at North Farm, an equestrian centre overlooking the town. Pottered around Ludlow and explored surrounding areas, including the Clee Hills.

En Route we stopped at the tiny, ancient, village of Llanwarne in Herefordshire. We admired the work being carried out on the “old” church and spent some time in the new one.

Our best crop (200+) since we planted a foot-tall fig tree thirteen or fourteen years ago.

It’s also been a bumper year for plums!