Yesterday, I drove the A2 east under clear skies to the hamlet of Reculver, located on the flat coast not far from Margate and parked next to the pub beneath the remnant twin towers of the 12th century church. Admiring its fearful symmetry and outstanding location, I reckoned this would never get planning permission today. The stark, stone…
Tag: Winter
Butcher’s Broom and Privet
Walking up the narrow lanes from Horton Kirby takes me past dark ivy-clad hedgerows topped by trails of clematis. These hedges house ancient woodland species such as holly, privet and spindle together with a spiky, evergreen shrub which once seen is not readily forgot – Butcher’s Broom. It was, apparently, used to sweep the blood and guts off butchers’ floors. …
Higham and Cliffe Marshes
Yesterday, I walked from Higham railway station to St Mary’s Church on the edge of the grazing marshes. The old church with its short spire and overgrown graveyard had the appearance of Magwitch’s hideaway but that apparently is nearby St James’ in Cooling. I walked on under a grey sky across flooded fields. Horses…