I was up and out early this morning. I had to take photos. I wanted to capture anything. It’s been quite some time since I have felt that way. I didn’t want to go too far to stay local, so I headed for Forest Farm on the outskirts of Cardiff.
Forest Farm sounds as though it’s really out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees. In a way, it is. A short drive down the motorway to Coryton and head off down Longwood Drive, following the road as far as possible.
Parking up, I made my way along the banks of Melingruffydd (I never knew its name until now). As I made my way along the riverbank, the birds were singing, and the workers were busy at work in the factories and offices on the industrial estate. I didn’t say it was in an industrial area, did I? Names can be deceptive.
Making my way towards one of the two hides on the site, I checked the Melingruffydd for Kingfishers or Herons as I went. I took a few shots on my way to the hide, nothing special, to check that my setup was OK. I’m not a nature photographer. I don’t expect to get anything like the great shots I have seen from other people. I’m OK with that it’s just good to be out with a camera again.
Considering it was a Monday morning, there was a distinct lack of people to spook the wildlife. I made my way to what they call ‘Hide 1’. It’s changed since my last visit. The reeds have been cut back, and the pond usually so full of water, is low, despite all the rain we’ve had. I took a seat and waited for Kingfisher to appear.
I waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity. It was about fifteen minutes, long enough to know to move on. Sure, there were Moorhens on the pond, but I could get better closer to them on the canal. A sudden movement to my right caught my eye, just a flash of red. I turned a Robin you can always rely on to keep you entertained, was sat about 2 feet away looking at me.
No matter how low I’m feeling, this tiny little Robin will always lift my spirits. Not to happy-clappy levels but enough to make the day bearable. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel better in the presence of a Robin. After taking some shots of Rob, I moved on to ‘Hide 2’.
I had heard a nearby Woodpecker banging its head against a tree since I arrived. With nothing to show at this hide, I left for the canal. There was a chance of seeing some life there. Walking along the path, I stopped now and again to watch the squirrels scampering along the ground and up a nearby tree.
Turning right, I walked along the bank to the end of the canal, looking out for Kingfishers and a Heron as I went. I could still hear the Woodpecker going like the clappers on his tree. As I started walking further toward the city, I still felt like I was in the countryside. I was in a happy place, the landscape of my childhood, a different part of the country but so familiar.
The canal has been unused for so many years that it runs dry in hot weather, the lock gates are mostly gone, it is overgrown and bounded by trees on one side and wetlands on the other. Even though it is a glorious sight in summer, it saddens me to see it silted up and devoid of water in parts. I spent so much time on, in and around canals as a kid fishing or watching the fish. Despite this, it is a haven for wildlife and a favourite place for walkers and joggers.
Once I had reached the end, I turned and retraced my steps, stopping to take some photos of the old lock with the water cascading through the permanently locked gates. Finishing up, I walked to the other end and turned back to the hides. I now had company as I had met up with a fellow photographer who pointed out the Woodpecker to me.
I have heard them tapping away on trees for most of my life. However, I had never seen one before today. I managed to get a few shots and looked forward to seeing if they were any good, but to be honest, I didn’t care.
Walking back to the car I glimpsed a Heon sitting patiently but watchful near the water line on the Melingruffydd. I managed to take some shots before he flew off further downstream. As I walked, I passed above him I got a closer look and more photos. Satisfied I walked back to the car and headed for home.
