We were lucky enough to stop in Woodbridge for a week and have time to explore the area and surrounding places. The weather was kind and the wild flowers and wildlife around and about was at it's best!
Take a walk along the River Deben and around the National Trust's Sutton Hoo...
A natural sculpture just resting amongst the reeds!
Reed beds and water meadows run alongside tbe river pathway. Just reminds me of a typical English day in the country.
The banks were overflowing with cow parsley.
This cormorant liked to sit on here and survey his kingdom every morning!
Beautiful wild dog roses draping over the marshes and river pools.
The ducks just having a little sleep at low tide.
An oyster catcher having a search around in the mud flats for breakfast.
Perfect hunting ground for the oyster catchers at low tide.
Here we are again!
The oyster catchers just seemed to lay their eggs anywhere, these are just on the side of a grassy bank. They are very noisy creatures, we stayed by the river and they constantly chirruped and chattered away all day and night - didn't matter the time, they were constantly at it! It's peaceful back home again!
Sutton Hoo is a National Trust estate and is an ancient Anglo Saxon burial ground. There are some beautiful walks around the estate with far reaching views of the River Deben.
Pathways lead around the stunning landscape and there are gorgeous views. Look closely everywhere you go, there is an abundance and variety of wildflowers ...
This viper's bugloss was growing in a sandy and grassy verge. It flowers from June to September. The dying flowers were thought to resemble a snake's head and to 17th century herbalists the speckled stems look like snake skin, so it was believed to heal snake bites. Luckily we didn't need to test it out, but there are adders around on these lovely Suffolk heathlands!
There were banks and banks of Russian Comfrey. Comfrey leaves are supposed to be tasty dipped in batter and fried! I decided to give this a miss!
The plants were busy with bees!
I love the fresh green of the new ferns.
Lots of little new homes being made in these!
We managed to get this shot of a greater spotted woodpecker, not the best as he was a long way away and was moving around everytime we zoomed in!
There were lots of red campion amongst the undergrowth and hedges.
Sweet briar reaching out for the sunshine.
Marsh stitchwart hiding in the deep grass.
Tiny flowers of the germander speedwell, known for its healing properties for diseases such as smallpox and measles. It is often found on roadsides and was thought to help travellers on their journey.
Ground ivy creeping amongst the greenery.
Some 'rough hawkbit' amongst the grasses.
Some lousewort mixed amongst the greenery in a marshy area. This one has a reputation for giving lice to livestock!
A natural tableaux just waiting for the camera.
References: some plant information has been taken from: Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland, Jones and Cuttle, 2005
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