Woodland Wander

[Scots_Charles_River]

Haining Wood

I went out for a wander today, mainly to practice Tracking, Sign and Observation. Had my pouch and some observation kit/ID kit and a brew kit. I left about 3.30 and got back to the car by 6pm.

Start of the walk. The ROW Society do a good job in signing most of our ROWs.


ROW by Scotstechy, on Flickr

I was out near this old castle, which is in an island of old refractery buildings, now demolished and some lovely unkempt and untouched mixed woodland. Lost of birdlife today and plenty of sign.


Almond Castle by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Some new growth pine cones, very sticky.


Sticky Cone by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Last week the Union canal was frozen here.


Bethankie Bridge by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Sign of spring coming.


Signs of Spring by Scotstechy, on Flickr



Many Setts around the woods. Not sure if they are intermittently used or not.


Badger Sett 1 by Scotstechy, on Flickr


This firebreak has lovely singletrack for MTN biking, no nettles yet.


Firbreak by Scotstechy, on Flickr





Brewstop number 1, spoilt by the noisy scramblers nearby. Spotted plenty of Corvids and two spiralling Buzzards, calling to each other and using the increasing winds.


Mixed Woodland by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Second Sett. I once got spooked by two Badgers running from here across the singletrack when I was night riding my MTB, rather than them continuing across my singletrack, they turned and ran ahead of me. So I stopped for a drink and they ambled off.


Badger Sett 2 by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Saw this at a Fox,Weasel or Badger kill site.


Large Feather by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Spotted these, almost like Oyster shells.


Root Fungi by Scotstechy, on Flickr

Very handy having a non-rucksac pouch as it is easier to swing around and access.


Respirator Pouch by Scotstechy, on Flickr


Respirator Pouch by Scotstechy, on Flickr


The kit I took, should have taken some wipes and a Tree ID book.


Day Walk Pack by Scotstechy, on Flickr

 

[Miyagi]

Ahh, is that the old Steins reftractory?

I used to stomp about near there many moons ago, having grown up in Bo' ness.

Looks like a good walk.

Its on the "to do" list now.

Cheers


Liam

 

[TurboGirl]

Nice piccies, your flora looks more advanced than it is around here in Leicestershire

I'm a big fan of my russian plasticized bag for my bimble brew/project kit, tis great to be able to stroll with a couple of projects and all your grab stuff close to hand

 

[hog]

Great trip and kit you have there Mate. Interesting looking area.

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Ahh, is that the old Steins reftractory?

I used to stomp about near there many moons ago, having grown up in Bo' ness.

Looks like a good walk.

Its on the "to do" list now.

Cheers


Liam

Could be, the old buildings, except one, which is a Bakery now, have all been flatened. Although it's a small pocket of woodland it's very untouched and hence has a lot of biodiversity.

 

[Elen Sentier]

Nice looking bimble.