It’s February and just when you think spring is just around the corner, the arctic winds continue to blow across the winter landscape and it feels colder than ever.
Walking along the trailway from historic Shillingstone station in north Dorset we were able to shelter from the wind and pause many times to look at the river Stour winding its way through the meadows. Facing the towering Iron Age hill fort of Hambledon Hill we sat in a bird hide hoping we may spot a kingfisher or even an otter!
We were stopped in our tracks by the sight of trees covered in beautiful yellow green catkins. The sky became blue, the sun came out and we suddenly felt as if spring really was just around the corner.
At Sturminster mill overlooking the river Stour we sat in our car enjoying a winter picnic when we saw a flash of blue. A kingfisher was flying across the fast flowing water of the weir and landed on a tree in front of us. Unlike us it didn’t pause for long – just a few seconds of magic.
The Mill on the Stour – Sturminster Newton, Dorset.
Back