(No) Leaves On the Line

A rainy, dull day today. After giving eldest son a lift to work I made bread and soup for lunch and then filled the rest of the morning catching up on the ironing and tidying round.

Kar did the Garden Bird Survey (unfortunately the beautiful thrush I saw in the morning didn't return and the woodpecker kept a low profile) and then after lunch we strolled (in the drizzle) to the shops for a few bits and took the long way back through the park and over the railway.

I posted this picture for two reasons. Firstly because I like the lines of perspective created by the lines and the embankment forming a vanishing point in the centre of the photo. Secondly to comment on the way in which every tree within 50 feet of the railway line has been butchered for a good 2 miles out from the station towards London. I guess if you are a commuter then it is important that the trains run reliably, but the total denuding of trees and vegetation along the lines must have had a devastating effect on wildlife. No opportunities for birds to nest, no cover for insects or small mammals and, my goodness, it looks bleak and ugly now. It is a shame there wasn't a compromise solution.