Last walk of 2014

There is no frost today and the seagulls were standing on what remained of the ice on the lake as we set off for our final walk of this year. (I don't count the teetering across the road in high heels that I'll be doing this evening!)

In the woods the pathway had been churned up by vehicles and it was muddy underfoot.

Sometimes the tracks left on the ground are fascinating, prints of passing wildlife,  deer and birds. Nothing to see today, just a mess of mud and ice.

We found the vehicles by the small pond

where a couple of young men were doing yet more clearing. This used to be a lovely place to halt when it was a hidden and secluded spot.

But not any more, trees were down

and all the debris scattered on the water.

Woodland certainly needs managing and young trees have been planted to replace those taken down but for now the pond area looks very forlorn. I doubt that the kingfisher that I've seen there before the tidy-up started will want to return in a hurry.
                           

I've enjoyed your company throughout the year, dear bloggers and

I

WISH

YOU

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR