Over the hills and far away. Well, the Pegsdon Hills- thereby completing a trio of walks to nature reserves in close proximity on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border. [see recent entries concerning Knocking Hoe and Hexton chalkpit]

 

The meadows that slope up to the hills lack the taller species seen at Knocking and the chalk pit. Also the grasses seem less coarse. Perhaps this reflects the fact that Pegsdon is grazed more. None the less all the action is at ground level with a very fine species rich turf.

  Higher up the slopes Wild Thyme is widespread to the extent that I could smell the delicious fragrance on the breeze.

 

 

 Sheep roamed freely on the uppermost sections and the grass is generally of a shorter sward as a consequence. Selective grazing by sheep, cattle and ponies helps maintain the balance of the delicate ecosystem that allows so many wildflowers to thrive.

 Even among the grazed areas there was no shortage of shimmering grasses and flowers like these dainty Harebells.

  The folds and undulations of the Pegsdon Hills create many niches and micro-climates for flora and fauna to flourish.

 

 

 Case in point one whole hillside was dotted with hundreds and hundreds of this white flowered wildflower. And I'm trying to think what it is!