On Monday we had news that the local butcher to where we are staying was unable to take any new orders on Christmas birds!
This left a question, where do we find our Christmas roast – so we went off afternoon hunting for another butcher, local veg, and a good place to explore with the dogs.
We drove around, – a butcher farmshop had been mentioned by our host – and we found ourselves in a village called Hartfield, where out of the corner of my eye I spotted….. a butcher! It turned out to be a well stocked shop, with a small area for veg and bakery, we gratefully ordered our three bird roast, and set our sights on picking up some supplies for the weekend. A good find.
From Hartfield, we headed to Ashdown, and a walk with the dogs exploring a new area of the forest.
What strikes me most about the forest is the way the sandy clay soil has been formed by the water runs, which creates a boggy feel underfoot and leaves plenty of places for your wellies to sink into, or the dogs to get plastered in.
One of our charges loves laying in any puddle going, and no opportunity is missed to get soaked and dirty!
An intriguing landscape, which we have yet to see in its full glory, as low cloud hangs over the area today – just like yesterday.