Fabulous Burley Village Show yesterday (06 Aug) with Claire @newforestranger (photo while setting up - too busy later). With @NewForestNPA van, exhibits, games, leaflets etc. - getting the messages out to locals and visitors alike, young and old..

Latest snaps of progress on the seedlings of my native wildflower seeds given away with April's Sway News courtesy of newforesttransition.org.uk/l… One half in a pot - mostly in full sunlight; & the other half in a border with only partial sunlight. So far so good...

Government inaction is increasing Covid cases in 100,000 local councillors. Local councils MUST meet face-to-face in public because there is no relaxation of the rules to allow virtual meetings (as in lockdowns). Councils need to meet to set the Council Tax. @NALC please help.

OK I'll see your bee orchid and raise you a marsh fragrant orchid - well surely a fragrant orchid of some sort, but it was growing in more than knee deep New Forest bog (thanks - I have now washed out my wellies!)

Not only are there thousands of orchids that look similar here in the New Forest, but I now learn many species can hybridise - expert needed @thenewgalaxy please. Maybe: 1: heath spotted 2: marsh fragrant 3: southern marsh 4. heath spotted x common spotted?

Looking forward to some outside catering. This was yesterday 11 April 2021 in a New Forest back garden...

Latest data for Covid cases and deaths in the New Forest

More recent local views from my neck of the New Forest @NewForestNPA - these close to Long Slade Bottom and/or Elkham's Grave, Mead End. Frosty mornings, brighter afternoons. Remember - only one local exercise a day.

Yesterday NYE ultra-local @marlingswine 2015 Vintage Special Cuvee (only 250 bottles). Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rechsteiner. Outstandingly tasty: biscuit, apple, fresh, better than Champagne, enough oomph to go well with food @NewForestMarque and about half a food-mile.