Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill

Blackford Pond has and hasn't changed since I was a child. The pretty cottage garden to the right of the gate is very welcoming, as were the last of the daffodils nestling under the trees. As you go round the pond, there is warm, dappled sunshine through the trees on the south side and direct sunlight on the north side of the pond. I was trying out my new red wheelchair and Batec and got a number of stares and even 'What's that?' Spring has arrived in its fullness: marsh marigolds thriving among iris leaves, wild garlic & celandines growing by old decaying logs in the partial shade of pale sycamore, elder and elm leaves in bud; the triumphant song of blackbirds, wood pigeons so plump they can barely coo, various ducks, seabirds and a couple of year old cygnets all fighting for space on the island; the joys of Blackford Pond. It's tidier,and litter-free. There is a small playground for children upto age 7 or 8 at the East end. The information boards are clearer and more informative than I remember. There was a good cross-section of ethnicity & ages: mums and toddlers, students, a few folk in the 40-50s and some retired people too. A cafe would be a real draw for both locals and also folk coming for the afternoon - I'll suggest it to the council!