A walk to Southwoods, Cottingham

The walk name is a bit misleading as there is no wood to the south of Cottingham, although the evidence that there was a 'Southwood' is there on local names and old maps. The area is now ploughed and under cultivation, but there are plenty of uneven hedges, where some woodland plants, cling on. I walked along the Setting Dyke from home. Just as I walked on the Hull city council side south of Willerby Carr community orchard, a Reed Bunting, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Siskin sit on the trees. 

Flowering Lesser Celandine on the Setting Dyke banks.

Reed Bunting.

Siskin.

I rejoin the Setting Dyke and then walk around the flood defence reservoir (mostly empty) to start the walk proper. Just west of the reservoir a public footpath goes straight north towards Cottingham, via the grounds of Haltemprice Priory (top shot).

An entrance to a footpath by the Setting Dyke by Everingham Walk.

A flock of Greylags and some Canada at Willerby Carr Farm.

The reservoir had emptied since my last visit.

A male Stonechat on Haltemprice Priory grounds.

The rough grassland at Haltemprice priory where the Stonechat was.

The path to Cottingham. The way crosses a couple of ditches, but the footbridges are good.

Just by Southwood Farm garden centre, a new wood has been planted.

The only woodland plant that reminds us of the lost Southwood this time of year is Cuckoo's Pint, Arum maculatum, surviving at the bottom of hedges.

I have a break at the farm cafe before heading back home in the drizzle before storm Jocelyn hits.