Transforming Lives Part 1.

31st May. Visit to Walkmill combined with shopping drop off to Sue a fellow Walkmill Comunity Action Group founder member. We usually walk at Walkmill together regularly and have been doing so for over 10 years. This was our first (socially distanced) walk together in over 2 and a half months since before the lockdown measures were implemented. The start of our walk was to the noise of a number of grasshoppers! A theme arose from this walk of the transformative power of nature. Willow found the grass stalk shown in the first picture. From a distance it could have been mistaken for cuckoo spit. Close up though it was evident it was solid. We were unsure as to what was inside as the white "pod" like structure was quite thick. Later in the walk Rosie and Rowan found another stalk, again with something on. This time the white structure wasn't as dense and it was possible to see a caterpillar within! So was the first one we found also a caterpillar just part way through creating its cocoon (or racoon as Willow thought it was called bless her). The pond was teaming with life and for the first time this year we found tadpoles! Not only tadpoles but half tadpoles half frogs and also little complete frogs. Willow spotted what she thought was a lizard but could have been a newt as they live in the area too. We were happy to see the lily pads flowering, damsel flies and absolutely enormous dragon flies. They were so big and hovered like drones. I joked about it and Rowan thought I was serious and asked where the controllers were. I have never seen ones so big. The last picture shows Rosie and Willow with Sue's dog Barney. I have been sharing visits to Walkmill with Barney along with Sue for over 10 years as well. He is around 11 now so older than all 3 of my younger children. My eldest used to enjoy playing with him when he was Rosie's age now. He has met and bonded with each of the younger 3 as they have come along. He was so gentle and became very concerned should the babies cry, earning himself the nick name "Nanny Barnes". His presence has transformed our walks in Walkmill for the better over the years. We are so aware now though that he is getting older and slower and these walks with him are precious as they are surely limited in number. One of his favourite things to eat are apple cores and the children always share theirs with him. We love you Barney.