Seeking out the less traveled path, then why not try the joys of the English Countryside.

Verity is the spice of life for the explorer so biodiversity gives you the interest, excitement & sheer satisfaction of expanding your world. So where will I find all this verity, well let's start with Natural England's the most important ground fed flood meadow, Mottey Meadows.

The Mottey Meadows Hay Making Festival 21/06/14

The meadows lie only half a mile from the village of Wheaton Aston in Staffordshire but are tucked away, allowing this unspoilt spot to continue as it has since the 14th century. But for one day each year there's a celebration of our natural heritage held on the site by the Friends of Mottey Meadows.

 This year's festival had fun for everyone, with marquees to protect us from the burning sun on this midsummer's day. As I browse the cornucopia of stands a few catch my eye. First is the Bat stand, We are all going Batty & at this time of year there is a good chance of spotting a Bat at dusk so keep your eyes open & don't get them stuck in your hair. For more information go to http://www.staffordshirebats.btck.co.uk.

Next it's the South Staffordshire Beekeepers who have a hive with a glass front to demonstrate the wonder of these magical creatures.

 If you are interested in being with bees then visit http://southstaffsbeekeepers.co.uk .

Finally, a wonderful display of Owls & Falconry. Mottey Meadows, a great place to pickup birds & my favourite was the Barn Owl.

For more info try http://www.owlandfalconrycentre.co.uk

So next it was time for a trek through the Meadows themselves, guided by the experts from Natural England.

The day ends with a beautiful sunset

Learn more about Mottey Meadows at http://bit.ly/1pzgEnd

Weston Park

A calm relaxing stroll through the house & gardens of Weston Park today. Celebrating 50 years of the site being open to the public. Not having visited Weston Park for a few years, I'm reminded of the glorious vistas across the Park & Capability Brown’s landscaped gardens.

Weston Park is situated on the border between Staffordshire & Shropshire, with its name coming from the De Westons who first settled on the site in around 1150. The current house was erected in the 17th century. If you visit the house here are a few gems to lookout for:
 In the Entrance Hall there is a fine Stubbs & the theme of the paintings is equestrian.
In the Breakfast Room there is a portrait of George Carew, Master of the Mary Rose who unfortunately perished during the ships demise, the artist is Hans Holbein the Younger.
In the First Salon are two nautical paintings by Claude Joseph Vernet, "The Calm & The Storm".  
In the Second Salon is "A Council of War" by Bassano, Leandro da Ponte.
But my favourite is in the Dining Room "Sir Thomas Hanmer" by Sir Anthony van Dyck, take your time in this room as there are several other great works.
Next to the Drawing Room, here can be seen Gainsborough's portrait of Lady Torrington. This is just my selection & I'm sure you will have your own.
After viewing the house it's time for a quick jaunt around the Park.

The shelter by the lake

The Temple of Diana Weston Park

But now my carriage awaits & don't spare the horses.