June Walk - Long Melford Area - see programme above

The fine weather continues and we had a superb walk. Parking space was at a premium at Arger Fen – woodland between Bures and Assington – hardly surprising considering the beautiful day and the fact that there was another walking group meeting at the same time.

 The walk was circular which we started by proceeding downhill, crossing the ford and accessing the first footpath at Gazley Gate. We followed the stream for a distance then turned uphill to enter Tiger Hall Wood. This is such a pretty area, hilly with banks of bluebells and masses of yellow archangel and stitchwort. Early May has to be the best time to visit.

 Leaving the wood we approached Moors’ farm with some trepidation as we knew there was a large bull in residence, guarding his lady friends and offspring, however on this occasion they were not too close to the footpath and we lived to tell the tale.

 Leaving a very hilly landscape behind it was such a contrast to enter a dead flat arable field growing potatoes to one side and barley to the other. In spite of drought conditions the crops looked good. A deep lane led us to Assington Mill with its beautifully restored thatched farmhouse, holiday cottage, working water wheel and pond; it was tempting to linger here. Passing through a field of beans which were giving off their heavy perfume we entered the parish of Leavenheath.

 After a short stretch of road walking a track led us to an area that was once a very large orchard complete with reservoir and pumping station. Sadly only a few of the trees now remain – we know who we have to thank for that! We next entered Hullbacks meadow, which was a puzzle until we discovered that it is part of an experiment. A large field has been ploughed and just left to regenerate naturally. In a very few years Ash trees and others are now growing tall, straight, and so close together that they almost resemble bamboo. However all have grown from seeds distributed by the wind from Arger fen. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

 The last stretch of our walk was back through Arger Fen. There are plenty of well marked footpaths and it was good to see lots of family groups taking leisurely strolls but the piéce de résistance was yet to come, the song of a nightingale – what a way to end a walk!

 The last walk of the current programme will be from Long Melford. There is a public car park at the bottom of the Green and we plan to meet near the church. This is on Subnday 5^th June at 2pm. All are welcome. Please phone 01787223409 for further information. For details of the Colnes Footpath Association and forthcoming monthly walks please visit www.adventure-trek.co.uk

Ann Runtle