Sizergh to Helsington Church

  Now, my friend insisted.   Now while the sun's on the trees.  So we lingered about the lake as sunlight coloured the foliage of guelder rose and spindle.  Glad to have seized the moment because cloud soon hid the sun and when we returned to the lake colour was gone from the shrubs. The lake is surrounded by beautiful shrubs and trees and we enjoy returning to see how they fare, through the seasons and year by year.   Foliage of the large spindle bush has quickly assumed autumn colour but it has no berries. Now for that lovely rowan, Sorbus Vilmorinii.

---

There never is a perfect photograph so it's a challenge to see how close one might come.   Coincidence plays its part.  Two years ago, we came upon the lovely Rowan, Sorbus Vilmorinii, leaves rosy, rich in fruit and visited by hungry bullfinch.  The light was perfect so all this against a bright blue sky.  Next year, the tree failed to thrive and we thought  it might be done for. Now it flourishes once again and I make a note to return later in autumn when the leaves are colouring in the hope the bullfinch return.  You never know. 

On Monday 23rd a group of locals met Councillor Matt Severn and we walked up to Brigsteer Bridge and talked over the impact of bridge closure on our community.  Since June 12th when the bridge was closed I've campaigned for a restitution of the right to roam, access to access land.  Standing at the barriers to the bridge, close to Story Homes extensive new housing development, with  unique selling point of Scout Scar on their doorstep, now unreachable on foot, that gave context to the problem.   We've done the talking, now we need to see a plan, a timetable and action. 
Beside Helsington Church, a cluster of cars showing who has taken a diversion and driven here to walk on Scout Scar.  Of course if you don't drive and don't have transport then bridge closure discriminates against you, and against all who choose to live a healthy lifestyle and are barred from doing so.