Hoe Common, with Ollie and the camera

The blue skies and sunshine this afternoon indicated the chance of some decent photographic opportunities. I decided to take Ollie in the car to Hoe Common. We would normally walk there, but the access, via Hoe Rough, is very muddy at the moment, and also has a large herd of cows and calves grazing on it. They are not that fond of dogs, so I have been keeping out of their way. After a short drive along quiet country lanes, we parked near the disused railway.

As usual, all the photos are large files, and can be clicked on for more detail.

Arriving at the common from the west, it is apparent that it is a a little higher than the surrounding area. This photo was taken looking across in the direction of Beetley. Other than the farm in the distance, there is nothing to interrupt the view.

The common was once known for large areas of lavender growing there. Over the decades, these have been swamped by bracken, and woodland has grown around the edges too.

The conservation trust volunteers are doing their best to reintroduce lavender to the common. They are stripping back large areas of bracken to encourage this, and to help the birds and other wildlife too.

A circular path provides a nice walk around the whole area. The camera did its best with the very difficult lighting conditions inside this woodland section, but this photo is unfortunately not very sharp. Either I moved, or the shutter speed was too slow for the lens stabilisation.

Back at the car, I walked onto the old railway bridge for this next photo. The railway from Dereham to Sheringham has not been used since the 1960s, and the local Mid-Norfolk Railway, a group of enthusiasts and volunteers, are working hard to restore the sleepers and track, in the hope of reopening the stretch for pleasure trips to the coast. This is looking North, towards Holt.

I then drove up to the hamlet of Worthing, close to North Elmham, to visit the round tower church. That will feature in another post.