Best time of the day on a september morning!
September dawn at approx 6am.
Autumn colours come in all sorts of shades & variations & make for ideal photo opportunities!
In stark contrast, the winter scene can look uninviting, but I find this the best time for good wildlife pics!
The gate leads to another path that leads through the reserve, & the bird hides are situated to the right of the path, easily found but be prepared to walk a short distance. The feeding station on the gate attracts many species of birds who wait expectantly in the trees nearby!
This is one of the locks from days gone by, not the original timber of course!
Another view from the back of the lock!
One of the feeders to the canal, leading to the falls (next pic).
Situated near forest lock, this leads to bluebell wood & up to the higher woodland level!
A view of one of the entrances to the canal, notice the metal bridge, designed to assist the ropes attached to the barge horses to slip over the top of them!
The sign has a map to assist your route around the reserve!
One of the ponds especially built. A variety of wildlife including kingfisher & heron visit these ponds!
The original farmhouse, now used by the council!
Several activities operate from here,inc bird walks, childrens nature club etc.
The warden and workers renewing part of the canal bank!
Putting out bird feed near the bird hide, this is paid for with donations from the friends of forest farm!
Cutting back over grown reeds at the bird hide pond!
A back drop view seen from the bird hides!
This is the first pond, surrounded by marsh land! If you look carefully you can see a terrapin basking in the middle of the pond!
A view from one of the bird hides!
