This is a place we have discovered in Batley about 15 minutes from our home. Despite living here for over 7 yrs I didn't know this place existed until recently. We love it and have been a couple of weeks in a row. Here is the link to the website - Friends of Oakwell Hall
There are lots of little pathways to explore through various wooded areas around the hall. Then the larger Nova Wood behind the hall were a railway line used to run through.
There are lots of information boards about what you may see and a little history too. The trail running through Nova Wood is classed as a nature trail.
The first time we went we saw Speckled Wood butterflys everywhere, I don't think i've ever seen so many. We also saw Small Whites, Peacocks and Red Admiral too.
Despite the trees being in full leaf now we saw plenty of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds. It will be nice to come back when the leaves are falling to see what other birds we can spot.
The trees down this path have grown inwards creating a lovely triangle arch. It's very peaceful here even though the motorway runs close by.
Several ponds are dotted about the grounds, though most of them don't have much wildlife but the flora is abundant. The stream by the Hall had Mallards with their young, the stream runs around the grounds.
Of course there are lots of Oak Trees everywhere. My little one was very excited to be able to pick up a few small acorns which had been blown of the trees already. Plus there are a huge amount of pine cones too. We collected a bagful, which my daughter loves to craft with.
We will be back here often, its a great place to walk around and there is plenty to see.
What a great place to discover, isn't it amazing to find such treasures on your doorstep? We have done the same this Summer, it really is amazing to realise what lovely places there are within a stones throw of your own home!
ReplyDeleteYou saw a good amount of wildlife and all the photos particularly the 'triangle arch' and the third one from the bottom show what a lovely place you have discovered.
I know, I still can't believe I didn't know it was so close by! I really loved the path through the arched trees, very pretty and peaceful.
ReplyDeletePam
I really like the first pic of the Himalayan Balsam growing up through the willow fence Pam. I know what you mean, there are so many lovely places nearby that we've only discovered in the last six months or so. I suppose that's what its all about isn't it - taking an interest in the wonderful world around you and discovering new places even on your doorstep.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it was only a little fence but that one spot had so many different plants in it, it looked beautiful. I have quite a list of local places to visit now, ones I really should have been to already, they are so close!
ReplyDelete