Tomas's orchard, Brookthorpe

Having enjoyed a short walk in the local countryside yesterday I tried again today. On the way home from Gloucester I turned off the main road with the idea of looking for the old apple orchards close to Day's Cottage, a small local juice, cider and perry family business. Last year I talked to one of the owners who mentioned that there are some very old apple trees nearby which have particularly beautiful blossom. 

I parked close to the entrance to their land and walked to a farm gate into an orchard where some sheep were either grazing or sleeping under the trees. I realised that the blossom had already peaked with only a few flowers still left.  I didn't mind as it felt lovely to stand watching the scene with birds singing and flying about. The brown coloured sheep nearest to me came up to the gate and let me stroke its forehead. The sign on the apple tree on the right says it is 'Tomas's orchard'.

When I have more time I will revisit them and ask for directions to the old trees and buy some cider.