A Walk in the Woods

Once a week Jackson and I go on a really looong walk, usually on the moors or down by the river.  But, because it was so hot this week, we went to Middleton Woods in Ilkley instead. 

Middleton Woods is also known locally as "Bluebell Woods" because of the magnificent display of bluebells. During May the woods become a carpet of shimmering blue.

The woods are full of birdsong this time of year - woodpecker, cuckoo, blackbird, thrush, pheasant and crows. 

We had been in the woods the week before I took these photos and the bluebells were fantastic. Unfortunately, this week they are looking faded but I had forgotten the camera the previous week! 

We stopped at a bench for a few minutes to rest before working our way back through the woods on a circular walk. 

And, of course, the woods are full of sticks - Jackson's raison d'etre! 

Copper Beech amongst the beech and silver birch.

At the end of the walk Jackson always gets a dog treat.