Harbinger of the Spring

On the track of snowdrops. 

And a primrose perched on the edge of a stream.

And a sweet little patch of bracket fungus on a dead log.

All photos are from Prior Park in Bath.

More (Spectacular) Winter Wildlife

European robin.

It is still cold in the UK and a blast of even colder air is promised from Siberia next week. The small birds are happy at the garden and boat bird feeders and among them suddenly a few days back was a super-predator. Perched on top of the bird feeder and looking around as if it owned the place. All small bird dived for cover. This was a sparrowhawk and my expert friend tells me it was a young female.

And here another busy little animal - a vole. I think a bank vole.

Clifton in Winter (return to Narnia)

A lovely sunny winter's day finds me in Bristol where I was delighted to have been invited to speak at a graduation event. The event was held in the famous Orangery at Goldney Hall - one of the halls of residence of the University of Bristol - a location where I have spoken once before. This was in 1984 as the wedding reception of my good friends Russell and Lizzie, where I was best-man. 

I arrived early and this gave me an opportunity to re-explore Clifton, this pretty part of Bristol that I once knew so well. 

Clifton sits between Whiteladies Road and the Avon Gorge. It is rich in smart Georgian terraces, tree-lined walkways and alleys with many cafes and boutique shops. The grand houses would have once held wealthy merchants and their families and many servants. Take a stroll with me on this bitterly cold but brilliantly sunlit mid-winter day. 

A walkway through an ancient graveyard.

Victoria Square.

And then on to Goldney Hall. This is a 'grade 2 listed' house and grounds, which looks down over much of the modern sprawl of Bristol. Originally built for the wealthy Goldney family it now hosts student accommodation and is used for receptions and wedding.

The House and grounds have also been used as backdrops in many TV programmes, including recently Sherlock and, in the more distant past, the Chronicles of Narnia.

Peering at Goldney over the just-emerged crocuses.

Goldney Formal Gardens

The famous Orangery

Main house to the left, orangery and ornamental canal

A nod to Aslan?

Hercules and the Goldney Tower which one hosted the first domestic steam engine which was used to raise water from a well and supply the fountain and grotto.

and the view over Bristol through the trees

And finally, with the sun setting and the temperature falling, back into adjacent central Bristol

The Will's memorial building and Browns

Cabot's tower

The Council House and Cathedral