After being away from the lane for a few days  the changes brought about by the heat are apparent. The hart’s tongue ferns are splayed open except for those very close to the mill stream and even the mill stream is only trickling down its route. The bracket fungus  has almost disappeared too.

The lane is wooded and slightly cooler in the hot sun than the open countryside surrounding it and the wild strawberries are fruiting. The meadowsweet is now also flowering in all its creamy beauty. The birds are flying low down the lane in groups – whether that’s seeking water from streams or what I don’t know, but it’s quite strange to see.