Whiteford Sands

The expanse of beach was exposed at Whiteford Sands at the west end of Gower. There were clear views across the mouth of the Loughor estuary towards Burry Port and Pembrey.

© David Gill, 2010

Lapwings on Gower

Yesterday there was a wonderful display by the lapwings at Whiteford Sands at the end of Gower. At one point there were 14 swirling in the sky.

© David Gill, 2010

Paxton's Tower and Middleton Hall

The Tywi Valley is dominated by Paxton's Tower, built to commemorate the death of Admiral Viscount Nelson at Trafalgar in 1805. The folly, which could serve as a dining room for the nearby Middleton Hall (now the site of the National Botanic Garden of Wales), was designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell (1753-1827). Middleton Hall was the home of Sir William Paxton (1743/4-1824), a business partner of Cockerell's brother Sir Charles Cockerell (1755-1837).

Paxton's Tower is open to the public. It is owned by the National Trust.

Image
Paxton's Tower from the site of Middleton Hall © David Gill, 2010

Spring round the corner at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

It felt like spring was still round the corner at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. There were one or two daffodils out but most have yet to cover the banks in splashes of yellow. The snowdrops were nearly over but the crocus were making a white display around the dome.

Image
© David Gill, 2010

Snowdrops at Aberglasney

The hard winter has meant that there has been an impressive show of rather late snowdrops. There are numerous drifts at Aberglasney, such as here on Bishop Rudd's Walk with Llangathen church in the background.


Image
© David Gill, 2010

'By the yew tree' at Strata Florida

There is a most unusual gravestone next to the famous yew tree at Strata Florida. For more about the grave, as well as John Ormond's poem, see The Festival of the Trees 32.

Image
© David Gill, 2010

Red kites over Strata Florida

There is still (patchy) snow in the hills above Strata Florida. However a pair of red kites were wheeling above the ruins of the abbey.

Image
© David Gill, 2010

Happy St David's Day

St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire
Image © David Gill, 2009