Burmese

After his haircut and grooming this morning, Basil was excited and keen to get out.

We went to the Outwoods where Basil can run free and there's a very nice café next to the car park. I found it difficult going descending the hill, climbing up was much easier.

The woods were very green and peaceful. Foxgloves are springing up amongst the ferns. The management of the woods is being given over to removing the coniferous trees and planting oaks to try and restore the woodland to its original state. A substantial area has been fenced off to enable wildlife to establish itself.

A sculpture trail has been established which will be removed on July 27th. I'm glad William will be on holiday before then as we think it would be a good idea to take him so he can find the sculptures before they're gone. There are also 70 small figures in the trees to represent each year of the Queen's reign.

This particular willow sculpture is intended to represent the Queen's favourite horse, Burmese, which she rode, usually side saddle, at Trooping the Colour until 1986. Burmese retired then, dying in 1990.

The construction is amazing. I really like how the artist has fashioned the mane out of much darker strands of willow.

And I think it's a super idea for getting creative people to be able to participate in the community.

The café, Olivia's, is also excellent for a coffee/tea and cake. We sat outside. It was warm enough.

Extras are of two other willow sculptures.