As it was a glorious spring afternoon the teenager and I decided to get some air and headed off to Quarr Abbey near Binstead. We pottered about and admired the pigs and piglets, popped into the art exhibition, admired the updated shop (rosaries in all shapes and sizes), and looked round the exhibition about the Abbey's history. Next we strolled past the Abbey itself, and down to the woodland walk where we ambled in the shade, pausing at the wildlife shelter to see if we could spot any squirrels. No luck, sadly. If ever I get a large garden, or garden of any size, I would like a shelter like that to wile away sunny afternoons in. The path meandered on past log piles, and trees sprouting new growth, and came out opposite a paddock with some newly shorn sheep. We paused again and watched a pair of buzzards circling in the sky above, then strolled down the green lane between banks of hogweed and cow parsley, field maple, dogwood and wild grasses, spotting bees on the flowers.
The lane came out opposite a stone cottage by fields containing the ruined remains of the medieval Abbey, and more sheep. Another lane led on towards Binstead in one direction, so we pottered that way passing beneath a huge weeping willow and uphill to a gate. We turned around then and followed the lane back to the car and home. If I lived in Binstead or Wootton I think I would come to Quarr all the time; it is such a peaceful place with magnificent wildlife and beautiful surroundings. Glorious - I can see why the monks settled here.
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| Quarr Abbey |
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| Wild Rose |
