Hawkesbury Upton

THIS weekend we set out for a short walk in the wonderful area of Hawkesbury Upton in the southern part of the Cotswolds.  The long deep valleys in this area are bounded by woodlands on their steep slopes, and these have undergone significant active management in recent years.  The cutting of the understory and some of the standards has allowed sunlight to reach the ground flora and encouraged a proliferation of wild flowers.

Amongst the yellow primroses a small patch of red individuals have probably arisen from pollen transferred from local gardens and then the plant setting seed.

One of the less common plants that were thriving in healthy clumps is stinking hellebore.

There are some amazing properties along the way and a number were bordered by a stream with luscious yellow king-cup.

A typical hedge bank along the way: