days out - Roaming the Paths

A charming row of thatched stone cottages in Puncknowle, Dorset, featuring The Crown Inn pub. The rustic exterior showcases hanging flower baskets, wooden benches, and chalkboard menus outside, inviting visitors to stop for food and drink. The scene captures traditional English village character with warm stone walls, white-framed windows, and a peaceful street setting under a cloudy sky.

Why we should love the pub: it’s not about drink, it’s the community

Byadmin 21/06/202524/06/2025

The decline of rural pubs in the UK is alarming, with closures increasing at an unprecedented rate, causing significant loss to community life. Pubs serve vital social functions, and their closure results in diminished local interaction, cultural activities, and economic impact, threatening the fabric of rural society. Urgent government action is needed.

A lush, green pasture in the Vale of Pewsey, framed by two mature trees with early summer foliage. A wooden fence runs horizontally across the foreground, with cow parsley in flower at its base. In the middle distance, a herd of black and white dairy cows grazes peacefully. Beyond the field, gently rolling hills rise under a grey, overcast sky, with the soft outline of the Alton Barnes White Horse faintly visible on the hillside. The image captures a tranquil rural scene along a countryside walk, with a “Roaming the Paths” watermark in the bottom left corner.

Rambling | Review | Tour

Wonderful Wiltshire, a land of hidden gems

ByAmy 09/06/202509/06/2025

The garden reconciles human art and wild nature, hard work and deep pleasure, spiritual practice and the material world. It is a magical place because it is not divided. – Thomas Moore. Churches and Ancient Springs Nestled beneath the imposing Alton Barnes White Horse in Wiltshire, lie three small villages: Alton Barnes, Alton Priors and…

The image shows two young children in a countryside setting, engaging with something on the ground. The scene takes place on a well-used but muddy footpath, which curves gently into the distance. The path is bordered by a mix of grass, fallen leaves, and patches of bare earth. On the left, a weathered wooden fence runs parallel to the path, partially covered in climbing ivy and other vegetation. Beyond the fence, a wooded area with trees and undergrowth is visible. The child on the left is a young girl with long, light-colored hair, wearing a pink raincoat with a yellow hood, decorated with a pattern of leaves and flowers. She is also wearing light green waterproof trousers with reflective strips and blue clogs with ventilation holes. She is standing upright, leaning slightly forward, and looking at the object or task in front of them. The child on the right is a young boy wearing a blue and black waterproof jacket with a hood, black waterproof trousers, and red wellington boots. He is crouched down with his back to the camera, focused on what appears to be a black plastic bag or similar item on the ground. The footpath is visibly muddy and uneven, with some grass-covered patches and others more worn down to the bare earth. The sky is not visible in the image, but the lighting suggests an overcast day, likely in autumn or winter, given the damp ground and the children's waterproof clothing. The children's body language and positioning suggest that they are engaged in an activity together, possibly picking something up or investigating an object on the ground. The setting conveys a rural, natural environment, with elements of exploration and outdoor play.

Saturday Special for children – Getting to know your spring weeds (Morning)

The image shows a young child walking along a well-trodden dirt path in a woodland setting during daytime. The child, who appears to be a toddler or preschooler, is dressed in a bright yellow puffer jacket, pink trousers, and sturdy shoes with a Velcro fastening. Their blonde hair is tied back in a small ponytail, and they are holding a short stick in their right hand. The surrounding environment is lush and green, with fresh spring foliage on the trees and low-growing plants. A small sapling with vibrant green leaves is prominently visible to the child's right, its trunk covered in moss. Beneath the tree, there is a scattering of fallen brown leaves from previous seasons, contrasting with the bright greens of new growth. Purple wildflowers, possibly bluebells, are visible in patches among the undergrowth, suggesting that the photograph was taken in spring. The woodland path is relatively narrow but well-defined, bordered by grass, plants, and fallen leaves. The ground appears dry and compacted, making it easy to walk on. The trees and bushes in the background create a sense of enclosure and tranquility, with dappled sunlight filtering through the branches above. The child’s posture suggests curiosity and exploration, as they appear to be walking independently while holding the stick, possibly using it to tap the ground or nearby plants. The scene conveys a sense of peaceful outdoor adventure, with the child immersed in their surroundings.

DATE CHANGE due to weather – Holiday Special for children – Getting to know your spring weeds

This close-up image showcases a mix of wild plants and flowers, including a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), white dead nettle (Lamium album), bugle (Ajuga reptans), and a delicate tendril of vetch (Vicia species). The vibrant yellow dandelion flower stands out prominently, with its familiar, fluffy seed head. Nearby, the white dead nettle features small, white, hooded flowers growing along its square, green stem, while the bugle plant displays deep blue-purple flowers in a dense cluster. The tendril of vetch, with its thin, curling vine, adds a delicate touch to the composition. The various shades of green from the leaves and stems provide a rich background for the contrasting colours of the flowers, creating a natural and vibrant scene typical of spring in the countryside.

Accessible for All Tour – Getting to know your spring weeds

Promotional graphic featuring a bowl of tomato soup garnished with fresh herbs and served with slices of bread on a wooden table. The text reads 'Wiltshire Winter Warmer' at the top, and below, 'Unlimited Homemade Seasonal Soups – Made from the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients' on a light textured background

Wiltshire Winter Warmer – Seasonal Soups, Fresh air and log fires

Scenic view of a countryside footpath alongside the calm Kennet and Avon Canal in the Pewsey Vale, surrounded by tall trees with textured trunks on the right and vibrant green grass along the path’s edge. The reflective surface of the canal mirrors the clear blue sky and bare-branched trees, creating a serene natural setting. Lush green fields and distant hills stretch across the background under the bright daylight, emphasizing the tranquil rural landscape

Wiltshire Winter Warmer – Seasonal Soups, Fresh air and log fires

The image captures a scenic view of Martinsell Hill from Milkhouse Water. In the foreground, blurred stalks frame the image, adding depth and perspective. The middle ground features a field with dense trees, showcasing various shades of green and a hint of yellow, indicating seasonal changes. The background reveals the gently rolling hills of Martinsell, covered in a mix of open grassy areas and wooded sections, under a clear blue sky with light, wispy clouds. The overall scene conveys a tranquil and picturesque rural landscape.

A quality day out with a botanical tour, luncheon, refreshments and afternoon exploration

Roaming Reflections: Post-Election Wildlife & Farming Future

A scenic green lane in Pewsey Vale, surrounded by lush vegetation and tall grass, suitable for all users. The narrow dirt path winds gently through the verdant landscape, with mature trees and dense foliage providing a serene and shaded environment. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the path. The scene exudes tranquility and natural beauty, inviting walkers to explore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The bottom-left corner of the image is labeled "Roaming the Paths.

Rambling | Roaming

What’s stopping you? Improving accessibility in the countryside

Byadmin 11/06/202424/06/2025

Enhancing accessibility on public footpaths and routes is essential for creating inclusive outdoor spaces that everyone can enjoy. This initiative focuses on making paths easy to access by implementing features such as smooth surfaces, wider trails, and the removal of obstacles. Clear signage and regular maintenance are also prioritized to ensure safety and usability for individuals with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and other users. By improving accessibility, we can provide enjoyable and equitable nature experiences for all visitors. Discover more about these efforts and their impact on community inclusion.