Deep breath

Lichens are good indicators of air quality. The Ards Man and I had a walk around the lake at Mountstewart this morning. Since most of the trees and shrubs have lost their leaves the lichen is very obvious on the branches. Some of the trees looked positively furry!

It definitely lifts the spirits to walk around in the countryside and many parts of Mountstewart are wild enough to feel that you are all alone in a forest. It was a lovely start to the week.