Autumnal Walking Pleasures

Mill Pond, Bushy park

Autumn is with us, and it is a beautiful time to be walking outdoors.  Trees, animals and birds are preparing for winter by stocking up on food.  Luckily, we don't need to do that these days!  In fact, it's probably worth trying to get some extra exercise in now, before bad weather discourages you from venturing outside in winter.

I've been lucky enough to lead walks in Bushy and Home Parks recently with Nordic Walkers who enjoy the tranquil surroundings.  Fresh air, scenery, wildlife, good company AND it's good for you!

Home Park, crowded as usual !

Nordic Walkers at the memorial to US and Canadian troops in Bushy Park

The poplar trees in this photo mark the site of the camp used by General Eisenhower in the run up to the D-Day landings of World War 2.  There were also US and Canadian Air Force HQ in the park.  Hard to believe now that this leafy suburb was once the nerve-centre of the invasion of Europe!

(For more information on the history of the park, try the Royal Parks' website -
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy_park/history.cfm )

Now, in September, there are a few Bushy Park residents who should be on the lookout for men with firearms!  The annual cull of deer takes place this month and in November.  As there are no natural predators, and my suggestion of introducing wolves is unlikely to be adopted any time soon, there needs to be a cull or else old and infirm animals will die a slow, lingering death.

Stag at Diana Fountain, Bushy park

The stags have been building up their strength for the imminent rut.   The velvet has now gone from their antlers, and they are beginning to attract females, ready to fight rivals to keep them.

A '14-pointer' stag, Bushy Park

Walking in the park may be interesting in coming weeks as we try to avoid the clashes between stags.  Those antlers can be lethal, and we are unlikely to approach the deer as close as we've done previously.

However, with luck , we might still see some wildlife on our walks!

If you'd like to join our walks, please do get in touch.  I am also intending to Nordic Walk in the Surrey Hills in the Autumn, so please phone or email for details.

If you wish to find out more about Healthy Walks in England, try this site -
Walking For Health

To find a Nordic Walking instructor or group near you, go here - http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

Enjoy the Outdoors,
Peter
07703-404-931