THE MOUTH

On Monday 9th August 19 us bowled up to the Mouth Chinese Restaurant in Dunstable for an excellent eat as much as you like meal. The starters and 2nd course were nearly a meal in themselves and then we could order as much as we liked from their full menu. It was well cooked, the staff were friendly and a good time was had by all. We are not all about walking, most of us do walk, some more than others, but some members do just come to the socials, be it the local pub, meals or a picnic on the Downs. We are always happy to see new (and not so new) faces on walks or socials.

Indeed if you would like to see something in one our our programmes we are always open to suggestions. Better still anyone can volunteer to organise an activity or walk they would like to do!

BARTON HILL FARM VISIT

At the End of June we were treated to a visit to Barton Hill Farm between Streatley and Lilley. The Shaw family, invite people to a conducted tour of their property, showing them what it means to be a conservation farm and giving an insight into modern farming and the flora, fauna, birds and beautiful wild flowers. They have been accepted into two significant environmental schemes: Natural England Entry and Higher Level Stewardship. They actively encourage and manage areas of chalk downland.

Here we are (23 of us) before starting the walk learning about the huge machines and what they can do.

This one of their amazing views, this is Sharpenhoe Clappers
This view is overlooking Barton le Clay
Here are Wizz and Brian explaining to us just what we are looking at.
This is what we were looking at, Barton Springs.

This is vipers bugloss. They have a large part of their land where it grows wild.


This is the sort of flora you get on the verges of your fields if you let nature take its course rather than swamp it in herbicides. These are pyramid orchids amongst other things.

The Shaws take round the visitors giving information and answering questions and then provide them with refreshments asking the participants to give a donation to charity at the end if they so wish. For those of you that missed it, perhaps we can do it again next year as everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed it. The sunset there was something to behold in 1999!

Short Chiltern Way Walk

On Wednesday 6th June we decided to join in the Chiltern Way Walking Festival by running a short circular walk from Dunstable Downs visitor Centre.

Several of the Bogrotters went, joined by a few people from the Chiltern Society.

This is a lane which is part of the Chiltern Way going towards Whipsnade.

This is a field very close to Studham



Here we are on the Common at Studham having a break with the usual dilema of whether or not to go in the pub for coffee, or something stronger. We do suggest you bring at least some water and something to eat in case we don't find somewhere appropriate to stop.

Here we are in Whipsnade heading towards the Hunters Lodge. Even though this was a short walk some of the walkers decided to catch the bus back from here, some dropped in for lunch, others a quick drink, and others were in a hurry and walked straight back. Provided the leader knows what you are doing so we don't lose anyone this is OK.

As you can see there were a good number for a weekday walk. We are now putting on several short, and also some longer midweek walks in the region of 15 miles which are obviously taken at a faster pace. However, if you contact the walk leader he should be able to tell you whether it is feasible to only do part of the walk, meet them along the way and/or catch the bus back. (some people have been known to arrange for their other halves to meet them at the pub so they get a lift back!)

THE BEST ANSWER IS IF IN DOUBT ASK, we will try to tell you if we know the walk is going to be particularly difficult with lots of stiles, huge hills etc. or not suitable for taking a dog on. It is only polite to ask before bringing your dog anyway.