Bluebells in Dalkeith Country Park

 Today we made the most of the bank holiday and visited Dalkeith Country Park, hoping for a good display from the bluebells and we weren't disappointed! 

The bluebells were in bloom throughout most of the park, looking at their best

Also in full bloom was the Wild Garlic (Ramsons) 

Greater Stitchwort 

Wood Sorrel

Wood Anemone

and Violets

 Dalkeith Country Park is most renowned for its ancient oak wood, which was established in the 11th century by monks and which has been preserved by the Buccleuch family ever since. There are so many magnificent old trees here, but natural regeneration is a problem as the roe deer (three of which leapt across the path in front of us during our walk) eat the young trees. To counteract this, the estate has planted several new oak trees, using acorns from the established oak wood and these are protected from the deer and hopefully will grow into a strong new generation of magnificent oaks. Here are some photos of the oak woods

The old buildings at the country park have been recently turned into cafés and a shop and the signage is lovely

For Nature Notes.