Out into the countryside

Densie on the Staffs & Worcestershire

Gailey Wharf with circular toll-keeper's watch tower

Anyone who believes we live on a crowded island should take a trip along the staffs & worcestershire. After leaving Penkridge at 9am we have travelled through empty farmland along the delightful tree-lined canal. Apart from a section where the canal runs close to the M6 we have seen no road traffic and little sign of habitation other than a few farmhouses.

The S&W, being one of the earliest canals, is a perfect example of a contour canal winding in extravagent curves to minimise the need for cuttings, tunnels or aqueducts. At one point it nearly doubles back on itself. The bends prevent any speeding (ie more than 3mph) which together with the oaks, alders, willows, hawthron laden with blossom and many wild flowers along the bank makes for a very relaxing journey.

As a contrast perhaps I should also mention the large chemical works at Calf Heath, an interesting (to a chemical engineer) rather than scenic spot alongside the canal.

We are seeing quite a few swans, some on nests though with very few cygnets yet, mallards often shepherding groups of up to 10 fluffy balls of duckling and moorhens, again with chicks. What we usually see every few days and have yet to see at all this year are Kingfishers. I understand that they have been very badly hit by the very cold winter.