44th: Hampton Wood and Meadow – Warwickshire

This really was the very definition of spontaneous. We were travelling up on the northern leg of our tour (planning to take in Cumbria, Northumberland and Lincolnshire, on the way back down) and were driving through pretty horrific conditions. It started off dark and pelting with rain, the day dawned and the rain turned to snow, making the landscape stunning and the driving fowl.  

So, we decided to turn a fowl driving experience into a wonder filled nature experience by trying to stop at a nearby Willdife Trust Nature Reserve. We were in Warwickshire, so I went on to the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust website and looked at their map of reserves. Low and behold there was Hampton Wood and Meadow a 10 minute drive from our route. So, off we went, and I’m so glad we did! It was a stunning place, all beautifully clean and white.

The weather had turned a bit warmer and it was now sleeting, meaning the snow was melting fast, but we were treated to some cracking views. Carol saw a roe deer dashing across our path.

So, who knows it may make it into a piece of art. All the beauty just a few minutes off our route. I would highly recommend everyone takes this up as an activity. Need a break on a journey, call up the local Wildlife Trust website and find a reserve close by. Infinitely better for the soul than a service station!