Tilda is allowed off the lead post-op now so we visited the rabbit-ridden cemetery.

rabbit footprints all over it but T is of the opinion that they are all holed up in the paddock next door.

despite the rabbit proof fence

the snow is beginning to melt, leaving fretted patterns across the plough

this pretty view is about to be despoiled by electricity cables coming through from off-shore windfarms

they will bring them through the farm and out at this corner. should I retreat to Spain at last or find some new walking permissions.

there’s a regular pheasant pathway along here; their footprints decorative in the snow.

in the wood the replenished ponds stand out against the snow

we find fox prints along fallen tree trunks; the snow is a great give-away.

and the beech stands still amongst the crowding hazels

there is a muntjac deer, small with coat all fluffed out and tail at attention. once I get him to move off the dogs  behave fairly badly, but T is on the lead so all is safe.

in the green lane a dark rust fox appears and runs on in front, luckily T is still on the lead and Sal is all unaware. T has a great time following his scent, snorting through the snow.

in the big meadow Sal plays in the snow, shoving his nose into it, eating it and leaping about, you wouldn’t think he is fourteen this year.

Miss T is off on her own business, making a wide sweep.

she joins us at the gate.