Sunday, 19 June 2011

Wonderful Wildlife


We recently attended a conference on chalk grassland. One of the speakers, Bill Oddie no less, answered the question, 'Why is wildlife important?' by saying that, above all, it gives pleasure. Just lately that pleasure has taken on a bigger role for me as it is helping me through what is a rather difficult time. My dear old mum has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I feel so sad that this special person has to end her days slowly forgetting everything that is important to her. However whenever I go out for a good trudge in valley or even just a stroll round the garden my mood is always lifted by the wonderful wildlife. Here are just some of the things that cheered me up today...
Bee on the Iris at the edge of one of my ponds
Man Orchid (one of 20 in the Pony's field)
Pyramid Orchids in the valley behind us
Unusual Pyramid Orchid (I think)...it is definitely not a common spotted
Yellow Rattle (v. prolific this year)
Scabious and one of many butterflies
Bee after the rain
and lastly my friendly pheasant with her baby visiting the garden
If only my mum could manage a walk round the countryside...I just know it would cheer her up as well.

4 comments:

Orchids and Nature said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mum, I can tell that your such a caring person . Pictures of orchids always wet my appetite and especially the Man Orchid I've never found one. Walking in our lovely countryside always gives me both physical and mental therapy it's what gives me all my enthusiasm.

Helen said...

Thanks for you comments David. The only trouble is if I am feeling down I find I can't do blogs as they sound soooo depressing...it is a bit of luck that all the wild flowers are now out as maybe it will put me in the mood to do more posts:) I enjoyed your post...I have missed them while you've been away. It sounds like you had a lovely trip.

Lesley said...

Oh Helen, I'm sorry to hear about your mum. :( I'm glad your spirits are being lifted a little by the wonders of nature. Your photos are truly gorgeous! My mum was in hospital for a couple of weeks. She's still very frail. I can emphasise with you. My mum's lost all her mobility now and also lost interest for all the things she used to be passionate about. It's sad to see them like this, isn't it. I hope your communion with nature continues to bring you comfort.

Helen said...

Hello Lesley...likewise I am very sorry to hear about your mum. I can just imaginine the sadness and stress you must be feeling. Those baby sparrows falling out their nest can't be helping either..sometimes nature helps and sometimes it doesn't!