It is time to calm the mind and soul

Let’s get out into the countryside. Listen to the birds and the bees, and smell the summer aromas.

This is not a politically based outing. Nature is not political, outside of humanity, politics do not exist. But politics does unfortunately permeate everything that affects the countryside, wildlife, farming, rural life and so forth. We have had weeks of campaigning after a non-stop conveyor belt of doom and gloom on the news. So, let’s see if we can find some optimism, things to agree on not disagree about, aims and aspirations that we can work towards.

What’s the agenda?

There is no agenda, other than go for a walk. See and enjoy the good things out there and where the conversation takes us.

I will start with the one immutable subject at the start of the walk, a little overview of the geology of the vale, and how that shapes the landscape.

Geology is everything.  The plants and animals, what can and can’t be farmed, how the communications and populations developed leading to the landscape you see today.

Beyond that, let’s see where the conversation takes us.

Besides my outline, let’s hope for ancient customs and folk law, regenerative farming, hedge laying, beer brewing, vegetation management, sarsen stones, which cheese is best, favourite flowers, the smell of fresh hay, and nice weather (no rain, no heatwave).

The walk will be between 4 – 6 miles depending on how we feel on the day. If some want to go further, and some want to cut it shorter we should be able to accommodate and split the group if needed.

You can get an idea of the potential route on Outdoor Active (sorry no map here because it might get me in hot water with copyright issues).

I would have done this walk a week earlier. However, I am involved in the election count and will have worked a considerably long shift. I expect it to take me a day or two to get back in good order!

It will probably conclude in a public house for refreshment.