September Sunshine!

Nordic walkers enjoying the September sun at Hampton Court Palace.

I did say on my last blog - don't worry about the weather!  And the weather has certainly changed for the better this week.  Blue skies and warmth has returned after a cool and wet August.

Nordic Walkers have enjoyed the conditions and walking regularly allows us to observe the changes in our surroundings.  In a few weeks, the leaves will change colour, and the rut will start.   But there are almost constant, subtle changes  in the wildlife in local parks.  For instance, the high-pitched song of the skylark is now a memory.

But, of the resident birds, the Cygnets are almost fully-grown -

Cygnets on Long Water.  Hampton Court Palace in distance.

Same place, 2 months earlier.

The deer are now losing their velvet covering of their antlers -

Strands of velvet on the antlers.

And red deer stags are beginning to bulk up around the neck and chest.  This stag was bellowing yesterday, and in a few days time, stags will start to round up their 'harems' and compete with each other for supremacy.

Stag in Bushy Park

In Bushy Park, there is also a cull in September, which affects access after 10.30pm.  Loads of information on Bushy and other Royal Parks, can be found here -  http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy_park/

A peaceful avenue near Hampton Court palace

Despite our congested surroundings, quiet corners can often be found.  The photo above was taken less than 10 minutes walk from the centre of Kingston-upon-Thames.  Yet no buildings can be seen, nor traffic heard.  You don't need to drive for hours to enjoy countryside, wildlife or tranquility.

If you want to find hidden corners, and get fit at the same time, do give me a call, or look for a local instructor here - http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/?page=about_nordic_walking&c=2

Enjoy the outdoors!

Peter

07703-404-931