27th May 2026 and the weather’s getting uncomfortably hot. So we pick a walk that’s going to be short. Although having to travel half-way across county does make for a full day out. We’re going to a water-meadow on the outskirts of Dereham. So let’s hop on that bus! Please come with us…

27th May 2026

🔼To reach the fen needs a short walk through town – where I see, in a barber’s window, these great guys. Thinking of this week’s Creative Challenge, I can’t walk past and not take a photo! 🔽 Almost there, and close to Dereham church is Bishop Bonner’s house, now a museum. Bonner, better known as Bloody Bonner, was a staunch Catholic during the period of persecution of Protestants, but the museum is a celebration of local history and archaeology

27th May 2026

27th May 2026

🔼 The unique vegetation of a fen-meadow. Not for straying willy-nilly, it’s a bit squelchy underfoot. But well-kept paths ensure walkers’ feet stay dry 🔽 An example of the typical plant community, and a hint of the challenge that presents the photographer

27th May 2026

27th May 2026

🔼 Time was when water meadows were deliberately flooded to ensure sweet grazing grasses in the summer. Those same channels now drain the fen so we keen walkers can remain dry shod! 🔽 They also encourage the water-loving plants

27th May 2026

27th May 2026

🔼 Not all is soggy fen. Here are areas of woodland, some old and,  like these oaks, some young

27th May 2026

🔼 The dog rose isn’t fussy about where she plants her feet, and when trees block her light she’ll scramble past the obstruction 🔽

27th May 2026

27th May 2026

🔼 Nature’s gardener has a preference for mixed planting! Here’s Garlic Mustard (flowers done, now leaves begin to lose their green and turn to beige), Dame’s Violet, Forget-me-nots and buttercups 🔽

27th May 2026

27th May 2026

🔼 More of those meadows, focusing on the grasses and the trees that hug this land, providing homes for birds and to keep the town at bay 🔽

27th May 2026

And that, my friends, is all for now. We’re heading back to town for a light bite lunch, then the bus back to the coast. Hope you enjoyed. More photos in Tuesday Treats. And this week we again have Friday Flyers!