Tag South West Coast Path

SUBURBAN BEE ORCHIDS

Al Brown Artist. Leave a comment

One thing I have wanted to see for a long time are Bee Orchids. I’ve looked in all the right places such as Braunton Burrows, Tarka Trail and grassy meadows but no luck. Then on my Facebook feed came some images of these orchids right in the centre of my home town, behind the Asda petrol station no less.
After receiving directions I cycled over early in the morning and was delighted to see a grassy verge covered with these wonderful flowers. Thankfully the local council have a no mow policy for June which allows such plants to thrive, although they go largely unnoticed by passersby.

WINDS OF TIME

Al Brown Artist. Leave a comment

I cycle the North Devon coast regularly and passing this wind blown tree at the top of Down Lane near Woolacombe recalled an old pen and ink drawing I did years ago. Not much has changed except the gate the overgrowth and instead of grazing sheep corn is now grown; I always liked the sheep’s wool hanging off the barbed wire in the ink drawing. The trees are still almost identical this is perhaps due to the strong coastal winds keeping their growth in check.