These were taken at a recent visit to the Essex Wildlife Conservation centre at Langdon Hills in Essex after a lovely spot of lunch at the Bell at Horndon on the Hill.
I can't believe this gorgeous butterfly let me hone in on him without flying off in terror
This stunning nature reserve is set in 461 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens where many species of butterflies, fungi, lichen and mosses are to be found as well as an abundance of wild flowers and colourful hedgerows.
The plot lands were originated back in the early 1900s when families were encouraged to move from London out into the countryside of Essex to work the land and build their own small homes. Many advertising campaigns offered free train tickets and free champagne to lure people towards a "healthy life in the countryside with breathtaking views overlooking the Estuary" and where plots could be purchased at a cost of about £6. Most plot-landers grew their own fruit and vegetables as well as keeping livestock such as chickens, goats and pigs. A museum of plot land life is housed within this Conservation centre and gives an insight into the living conditions of the families who settled here. More information here
Thanks to Sandie for this fun challenge.
See you soon
What beautiful photos and post Patricia. It was so interesting to read about the history of the nature reserve and The Bell is a favorite place of ours to eat too. Thank you so much for sharing I really must pay a visit myself.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and a great idea too - I might like to join in with this one day!
ReplyDelete461 Acres!!!! That's alot!!!! I just went to the link. I would love toblive in essex or Kent. They both seem like gorgeous areas!!
ReplyDeleteThat butterfly is perfect! Have you seen those big gorgeous moths? I didnt even know they could be do beautiful until recently.
I mailed your package this package this past week. A bit late as I snuck in some ornaments for the grandkids to paint. My children did some and we made them into mahnets! Let me know when it arrives!! X
Tammy
Sorry... my keyboard is so sensitive to touch and I cant seem to type properly!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea and such different photos taken in quick succession! Xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun photo challenge! I'm sure you were spoilt for choice in that beautiful environment. It was interesting to learn about Langdon and the vision to encourage London folk to settle in the countryside.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos and a great idea - I may be tempted to join in next time:)
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a gorgeous place to visit. The butterfly is stunning! I'm a new follower and I'm really enjoying your blog. Just wanted to say hi. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia, How interesting; I love that you added this much history into your 5 in 5 post. I think that a challenge like this would be a true test of training your eye for the camera . . . there is beauty everywhere, but sometimes we just over look the beauty around us. Your photos are wonderful, great job!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a marvelous week,
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
Hi Patricia, I looked at the Google map of Langdon Hills, and found it is not far from where my daughter lived when she was teaching in Essex a few years back. We enjoyed two holidays in the region, but never made it to this lovely reserve. Great photos of the flowers and especially the butterfly. Lovely to see the Essex countryside again - thanks for the memories! xx
ReplyDeleteThat butterfly photo is stunning.. well done for getting it. What a wonderful nature reserve.
ReplyDeleteJulie x
What a lovely place and great pictures. It sounds a fascinating area.
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos- the butterfly is stunning- I love the idea of 5 in 5- it's a mini snapshot of all around you. well done:)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. These photos are gorgeous. Well done to achieve "5 in 5"!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and quite a challenge to take them so quickly.
ReplyDelete