One of my favourite walks and an inspiration for painting in all seasons, is a nature reserve and wetland area close to the bustling seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset. It is a calm and tranquil place and in winter the reed beds and water channels are so very beautiful, opening out and stretching towards distant views of the mysterious Isle of Portland and gleaming white chalk cliffs at Ringstead bay and beyond.
Silent Marsh Harriers fly low, noisy geese gather in groups, lapwing feed on the mud flats then suddenly rise into the sky, their black and white feathers glinting in the sunshine. Grey herons and white egrets hide in the marshland areas at the water’s edge, quietly fishing.
Sweet scented purple buddleia fills the hedgerows in summer, pretty michaelmas daisies line the pathways in autumn, blackthorn blossom is everywhere in springtime, and golden brown marsh grasses with silver grey wild clematis create a palette of neutral tones in January.
When the winter sun lights up this haven of nature it becomes the perfect place to sit , watch and be still.