A large teapot made by local potter and artist Mary Rose made a cameo appearance in the final of The Great Pottery Throw Down. Our walks often pass Mary Rose’s gallery where the teapot is now back on display.
Geoff
Paddock to Pond
A recent walk after heavy rain from storm Dennis passed a small paddock that excess water flow has temporarily converted into a pond.
Nearby rivers, the Severn and Wye have reached record levels so for the next few days it is prudent to check for flood warnings before travelling.
Late Autumn colours in the Forest of Dean
We are heading towards winter but a good mix of Autumn colours are still to be seen here in the Forest of Dean.
Leaves are falling from the trees and there is a distinct rustling of leaves underfoot. However it is still possible to get a glimpse of grazing deer and squirrels collecting food for the winter.
Wyndham name returns to Clearwell
After closing it’s doors as the Wyndham Arms Inn three years ago and abandoning it’s historic name, the Inn and the Wyndham name are set to return to Clearwell. After a spell as a guest house called The Clearwell and another spell as Crosswell House the new name is the Wyndham Country Inn.
Many of the buildings we see in Clearwell today are the legacy of a Clearwell girl born Caroline Wyndham. She returned to the village in her later years as Caroline, Dowager Countess of Dunraven.
In the late 1800’s she engaged architect John Middleton and had St Peter’s church and a small cottage hospital built. She helped with building the village school, repairing the village Cross and Well and re-building the Mortuary Chapel. She also restored her childhood home, Clearwell Castle. Many people will therefore welcome the return of her family name to the village.
Pine Martens released in the Forest of Dean
Pine Marten released in the Forest of Dean woodlands.
Nine pairs of Pine Marten from Scotland have been released in remote locations in the Forest of Dean. To keep a track on progress these Pine Marten are wearing radio collars.
Forestry England added that Pine Marten at low density (population) forage on fruit, fungi and a range of prey including grey squirrel.
They are described as elusive and shy animals only having “a few kits each year” – so visitors will need to be very lucky to see them.