Don't let anyone tell you that Autumn is

Depressing, hit them hard across the face with a wet leaf.


I decided to drive to Crombie Country Park for a dog walk this morning. I couldn't have made a better choice, what a beautiful morning for a woodland walk. Rocket and Radar loved it; lots of new sniffs and smells to indulge in.

I indulged in a bit of nostalgia. As a child, I lived in Monikie and I spent most Saturday mornings in Monikie Country Park helping the Rangers. I was a member of a Young Nats group run by the Rangers and I spent many happy hours trailing around both Monikie and Crombie parks conducting bird counts, collecting pond samples, checking nest boxes, helping injured bats and other creatures and tidying up woodland. Inevitably, we would end up back at the Ranger Lodge wellies off, wet socks drying near a stove and hot chocolate in our mugs. I owe my love and respect for nature to these men and women who gave their time to open my eyes and fill my head with knowledge.