Finemere Wood

This one is my nearest reserves and I'm ashamed to say its my first visit! You can see all the hard work that goes into maintaining this woodland and meadow land. Many areas suiting butterflies and plenty of habitats and bat boxes for other creatures. Lots of information as you go round. Today was very very muddy in places. I was fore warned. It got to the stage where I couldn't get any wetter so I just ploughed through it. Quite good fun for a while but I did after 7k finish off my run on the road to have a breather from the mud. Cool and damp yet again, so very little insect activity. I'm looking forward to doing some of these runs in hot sunshine! 

I picked up the graphics I have had done for my car today also. Not put them on yet due to the weather but as soon as I do I will post a picture. 

Here is todays photos.

Ardley Quarry

Todays run was a short run around Ardley Quarry. I really enjoyed this one as although it was small the many paths led you round the many different areas. It was fun to run up and down the hills and see this very lovely spot. 

So far it has been so much fun discovering all these wonderful places, and right on my doorstep pretty much! Finding the reserves has taken me through some lovely villages too - places I'd never see otherwise. I'm looking forward to the next one, and hopefully I can start on the reserves in the other 2 counties. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Chinnor Hill

Third run today in drizzle and mugginess! Hilly and a bit muddy but fun. Lovely views and a nice run along the Ridgeway to extend my route. The Ridgeway runs along the bottom of the reserve so I could go in and out of the reserve as I went.

White Cross Green Wood

Second reserve! Harder going this one...but a lovely place. Long wide pathways full of wild flowers, along with damp wooded areas, patches of wild garlic (over now but would be stunning when in flower) and mares tails. Bumped into a family of Wrens, heard Jays, Wood Peckers and Warblers. Caught a glimpse of a Tree Creeper which was cool. Huge Dragon Flies, Damsels, bees and butterflies. 

                                                                                                                    

COLLEGE LAKE

My first run is done. College Lake and what a beautiful place to start! I got in as it opened at 9.30 so it was lovely and quiet, sun not shinning but at least the rain had stopped. The trail is only 2 miles all the way round the lake so I ran it 3 times, stopping off a few times on the first circuit to take some photos. Thanks to Leon.







                               

Not sure what the next one will be, I'm still waiting for Bucks and Berks to get back to with the okay for the reserves in their area. Oxford have said okay to all the ones on the list apart from one which is very sensitive and only open for a very short time every year