David

Tixall gatehouse is a sixteenth century building, all that now remains of a stately home.

As the Staffs & Worcs canal passes it widens into a “lake”, intended to give a scenic view.

The galls start off yellow, but then redden towards their tips. They are caused by a mite.

The massive ditch and bank on the hill fort on a high point at the end of Kinver Edge.

The fort is further protected from most directions by the steep slopes of the Edge itself.

It is an indigenous species, but these, and especially those with variegated leaves, may be descended from cultivated garden varieties.

Large-leaved and common by canal sides.

Lilac bushes beginning to flower.

Some bushes produce white flowers.

On other bushes the buds are purple, the opened flowers indeed lilac.