8 minute read
NATURE
A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
By Barbara Elsmore
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Tap, tap, tap – we would hear Dad tapping the barometer in the hall and if this was followed by a sucking of the teeth, a shaking of the head and the pronouncement ‘glass is going back’, we knew our planned visit to the seaside was doomed. Same with ‘too bright, too early’ another of his favourites which usually meant the early morning clear blue skies and bright sunshine would soon give way to rolling clouds and rain. On the other hand, if we woke up to an early downpour, ‘rain before seven, fine by eleven’ proved altogether a better prospect for a seaside visit, despite the early signs to the contrary. Dad would tell us about what very high cloud, mackerel skies and mares’ tails meant, how to spot rain in the distance, and when the far-off horizon was much too clear to mean the fine weather was going to stick around. These are just some of the things he would have picked up as a boy growing up in a farming community where the ability to work out the prospects for the following day might be crucial. Many years later, when by this time I was married and we had our first home, Dad produced a beautiful barometer that he had kept in the loft. It had belonged to his father and must have been the source of the start of his own boyhood education in the ways of the weather.
The barometer still takes pride of place in our hall in a perfect position to be 'tapped'. It is known as a banjo-shaped barometer and has a patent number and the name 'H B & H Petter, Yeovil'. I wanted to know more about the makers, so I contacted Bob Osborn who runs Yeovil's Virtual Museum (www. yeovilhistory.info) and he helped me date my barometer: 'In 1901, Percy and Ernest Petter reorganised their many companies in Yeovil – their brothers Harry and Hugh, trading under the name of H B & H Petter, managed the original business including the Foundry and Engineering Works in Clarence Street and particularly the ironmongery and hot water heating side of the company in the Borough. But, as Percy recalled later “It was, for some reason, not very prosperous, and Hugh left to commence business and carry on missionary work in Buenos Aires, and later Harry left with his family to take up farming in Australia.” Your barometer would not have been made by Petters, but simply bought in, rebranded and retailed under the business name of H B & H Petter, probably from their shop in the Borough. Its date would therefore be between 1901 and, say, 1910.'
I am very grateful to Bob for this information as I now believe that the barometer was a wedding present to my grandparents on their marriage in April 1908.
The Nature Spot
The short-eared owl typically arrives in Somerset and Dorset during the months of October and November, however this year they were showing up as early as mid-September. Local wildlife photographer Colin Lawrence managed to capture some images of this outstanding bird.
There is little to compare to the astonishing and piercing stare of a short-eared owl. Bright yellow eyes set in black, and a bird that is not afraid to stare back at you whilst sitting in the open during the day. In the UK short-eared owls breed primarily in Northern England and Scotland, but we are blessed by visits of this magnificent bird during the winter months, some coming from as far afield as Scandinavia, Iceland and Russia. and about in the daytime, where it can be seen hunting for its favourite diet of voles.
Look out for them as they spectacularly swoop and dive over their favoured habitat which is lowland, rough grassland and heath.
TOP PICKS FOR AUTUMN WANDERING
By Rachel Woods
To follow up on my celebration of the autumn season, I thought I’d revisit some of my favourite walks in Somerset and Dorset for this time of year.
Hestercombe. This is one for truly varied styles and scenery, you will find three centuries of gardening across 50 acres near Taunton. Walk with Georgians, Edwardians and Victorians through the shrubbery, landscaping, ponds, streams, waterfalls and formal gardens. A good one for your big coat, there are plenty of places to sit and absorb the tranquillity. When nature adds her autumn colour display to the manicure, it’s spectacular. Exmoor National Park. I’m biased; I love Exmoor at any time of year. The moor boasts plenty of walks to suit all levels. A gentle ramble, meandering stroll or robust hiking; Exmoor has something for you. A perfect place to spot deer, squirrels and its famous rare breed ponies. Seek out sights like the Tarr steps, the climb to Dunkery Beacon and the villages nestled in the valleys with their welcoming pubs. Great for a wellplanned day trip. Bath Skyline. From the hills surrounding this beautiful city, you can see why the Romans chose it. The walk stretches to about six miles in total, so booking a guided one is a great idea. This can make for a very safe and informative way to navigate this stunning hilltop walk. Not the easiest but I believe there are some options that are a little kinder on the legs. The views across the city are mesmerising and never more so than in that special kind of light we enjoy at this time of year.
Montacute House. Well-tended gardens surround the beautiful hamstone house. Just outside Yeovil, Montacute House is surrounded by well-caredfor gardens. There are some endearing hedgerows, lovingly called ‘wibbly wobbly’ after not really recovering after a harsh winter in the late 40s. You can visit the house and cafe too, so it’s a great one for a cold day. Look out for their special events. Corfe Castle. A beautiful spot to visit at any time, there’s a five-mile walk here called the Commoner’s Way which follows the story of the people who lived off this land for thousands of years. There is a leaflet which guides you through the history and landscape as you walk which is worth picking up. In the absence of a personal guide to the Isle of Purbeck, it’s a wonderful resource. Corfe village is a great place to find a warming bowl of soup too. Sherborne Castle Estate. The old stomping ground of Sir Walter Raleigh, and you can see why he may have liked it here. The surrounding countryside has some of the best displays of autumn colour I can think of and there are paths that head through the open parkland and woodland of the castle estate. If it’s open, it’s a treat to pop in to Sherborne Old Castle (check times on the English Heritage site). The newer castle estate has an impressive collection of Japanese maple which can always be relied on for some spectacular seasonal colours. Thorncombe and Hardy’s Cottage. I know I’ve written about this before so I’ll keep it short, but it’s a stunner, especially in autumn. Do remember your wellies. The woodland is served by a decent public car park and there is a great little cafe to defrost if you’ve got chilled in the woods. Hardy’s cottage is a short walk from the car park and is managed by the National Trust. Last but not least. Sturminster Marshall. There is a longer but captivating walk of about eight miles here from Sturminster Marshall that follows the old railway line, footpaths and bridleways to Spetisbury. It then follows the river of the Stour Valley Way to provide a wonderful photo opportunity for White Mill. It can be muddy but that can be the case for any of these walks. This is England after all. Walk safe, plan your journey and wrap up. I’d love to hear of your adventures while you make the most of the season before the colours fade.
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