March was a birthday month which meant we were treated to cake – two in fact! It was also a month filled with plenty of nature, animals, and everyday joy. We spent a week up in Cumbria, explored some new trails, met up with long distance friends and caught up with family. We saw the start of spring and some lovely hot weather, closely followed by the complete opposite not even a week later. But despite the unpredictability of the great British weather, it was still a month I tried to make the most of – even ticking some new birds off my list, such as the egret!
Days Out & Activities:
- Sale & Chorlton Water Park – During the nice weather, we took a trip to Sale and Chorlton Water Park to spend time in nature, do some bird watching, and get back into photography. Connected only by a walk along the river, it’s easy to see both parks in one day. We got pretty lucky at Sale this time: seeing the likes of cormorants, herons, grebes and teals. Then Chorlton welcomed us with the full bloom of springtime beginnings. We watched as butterflies fluttered past, frogs basked in the shallow water, and model airplanes soared across the sky. Dog-walkers, runners, birdwatchers, and toy enthusiasts all took to the paths of these parks. And with the sunshine beaming down, it really did feel like the first sign of spring.
- Whinlatter Forest – Heading up north to Cumbria, we opted to stop at Whinlatter for a little stretch of the legs and make the most of the dry day we had. It’s somewhere I’ve visited a few times in the past, though this particular trail was a new one for me. Located just down the road from the visitor centre sits Noble Knott carpark. Here lies the start/end points for multiple pathways, including a lovely ‘Words in the Wood’ one which sees beautiful quotes adorning signposts as you make your way through the woods. The trail we opted for instead was a loop called Heavy Sides. A really pretty walk which provides beautiful views overlooking the waters and villages below, as well as the beauty of the magnificent trees which call this forest home. We then continued our drive down Whinlatter Pass to Whinlatter Forest’s visitor centre. Parking up the car, we then began our walk on the 5k run loop, yet somehow ended up on the WOW trail instead for the most part! This WOW trail took us up to an incredible panoramic viewpoint, as well as down to an animal hide. We spent time watching the chaffinches and coal tits before admitting defeat on seeing any red squirrels this time. It’s often easy to forget the forestry parks when visiting the Lakes, but they can be just as impressive! We were even lucky enough to see (and hear) the loud military jets soar above us this day too.
- Keswick – For me, no visit to Cumbria is complete without a trip to Keswick. We chose the Great Woods carpark as the meeting point to catch up with friends. Then started the day with a walk up Walla Crag – a nice ‘ease-you-in’ Wainwright if there ever was one. Once at the summit, you can see why this is quite a popular one. The views below are that of Derwentwater and its islands. Although being fully exposed to the gale-force winds up there, we didn’t really want to get too close to the edge of those rocks! After battling rain, snow and hailstones during our descent, we had a quick change of clothes at the car, before heading on foot down to Derwentwater itself. Along the lakeshore we made our way to Keswick town centre where we ended the day with some well earned fish and chips, some yummy baked goods, and a treat of chocolate from independent stores. On our way back to the car, we were lucky enough to spot a deer in the field adjacent to our footpath – a perfect way to end such a wholesome day!
- Run for Nature – Would it even be a monthly roundup without a mention of a zoo?! This month saw the return of Run for Nature organised by Chester Zoo. We did their 5k race last September and knew we’d love to do it again. This particular one was in support of the UK wildlife, and we once again opted for the 5k (albeit nearly missing the race completely as we arrived with literal minutes to spare!). This course is a pretty flat one: weaving through parts of the zoo, and along local roads before looping back into the zoo for the finishing line. Each time we’ve been it’s proved itself to be a very bustling yet friendly event, and everyone is so welcoming. By showing your medal at the entrance gates, you’re then permitted free admission into the zoo – which we certainly took advantage of! Whilst we didn’t stay until closing time this visit, due to the horrendously cold and wet weather we were subject to, we were still very happy with everything we did get to see. Highlights included: a very active monitor lizard; a sleepy snow leopard; a growing tree kangaroo baby; an elusive tiger; and the prehistoric cassowary.
Hobbies and Interests:
- Car Boot Sale – March was the month which saw the return of car boot sale season; and we made sure to be down there for it’s first day back. Parking on the grassy field, we then made our way over to the seller’s section where we were greeted with rows upon rows of stalls. We weren’t looking for anything in particular this visit, but I think that’s why car boot sales are great fun. For free parking and free admission, even if you come away with nothing, you’ve still had a nice Sunday morning out in the fresh air. We did end up making a few purchases this time though; including a Blu-ray, a teddy, and a large wicker basket. Not to expose my ‘granny-personality’ too much here but a new wicker basket had been on my radar for a while. You could probably imagine my excitement when we saw the perfect one (both in size and shape) for only £1! It really is the little things in life, isn’t it!
- Cinema – Now it’s not very often I visit the cinema, I think the last time I did was back in 2024. But we decided to take a little impromptu trip to watch the new Disney Pixar film, Hoppers. I’m not going to reveal any spoilers or anything here, and whilst it’s probably not one of my overall favourites, it did have a few actual laugh out loud moments. The real attraction here, however, was the simple experience of just sitting in front of that large screen on those comfy recliner seats – I forgot how atmospheric the cinema can be! I definitely see the appeal, and why so many people visit it on the regular. Perhaps I won’t leave it another 2 years to go again!
- Build a Bear – There’s no denying my love for soft toys and the humble teddy bear. I had quite a collection when I was younger, and have somehow managed to gain an even bigger (albeit slightly more organised) one as an adult. I was lucky enough to find a Build a Bear teddy at the car boot this month – and even better, it was one I’d been casually searching for for many years. Part of the Horses and Hearts collection released back in 2016, I knew instantly what pony this was as soon as I saw her. Despite her dirt patches and tangled mane (evident she was once loved by a child), I knew she had to come home with me – especially as she was only 50p. Once home I began a little ‘teddy bear surgery’. After unpicking the seam, I was able to remove the old stuffing, a faded scent disc, and an old sound box (which no longer worked). This made it easier to thoroughly wash her in warm, soapy water and then begin the process of detangling her mane. In no time at all she was looking almost as good as new. All that was left was to get her re-stuffed; and we did so at my local Build a Bear workshop on my birthday! She has since found her new home amongst my own collection of Build a Bear teddies.
Physical and Virtual Media:
- Books – H is for Hawk (part way through).
- TV – Thirteen on BBC iPlayer.
- Film – Zootropolis 2 on Disney+.
- Games – Animal Crossing New Horizons on Nintendo Switch.
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