Rockpooling at Jackie's Beach, Whitburn

So, there has been a huge lack of photos and adventures in general from Jackie's beach this year. With my health issues, we just haven't been to many places at all, including one of our favourite little bays where we were a part of the Nesting Ringed Plover Project 2023*, however as I emerged from my aestivation (and the schools had returned) Mr H and I ventured down for a slow walk on September 9th. 
I'd failed to check the tide times before arriving and as you'll see from the photos, the sea was very far away from the shore. This did give us the opportunity to explore the life within the rockpools though! A common activity when I was a child, I've always loved rockpool hunting but in recent years the number of creatures has been noticeably less, however on this trip I was pleasantly surprised with our findings...

*We were meant to be volunteering this year too, but evidently couldn't and I'm gutted because it was an incredibly successful season and I missed out on seeing all the babies!

 

From birds and bugs to crustaceans, fish and more I was over the moon with our findings. It was a wonderful day back at Jackie's Beach, we're so lucky to have such a special area so close to us. 

Exploring Woofing Woods, Leeds, with Baker

 

You read the title correctly - Leeds! We drove TWO HOURS to take our dog on a walk.

Anyone who knows our situation knows that our dog Baker is unable to be taken out on 'normal' walks these days. Long story short he's a nervous, reactive old man and I don't feel that he needs the stress of being forced into situations he doesn't enjoy. That means it's been over 6 years since Baker has been able to have the experience of running carefree through woodland, something he grew up doing - his first ever walk was at Holywell Dene.

Without even looking, I somehow happened upon a private woodland that you can book to have all to yourself, and so we decided to book it for a birthday treat for Baker. The day of his birthday was unavailable so we booked for the day after and it worked out perfectly as we were able to have a lovely day at home celebrating in the usual way and then the next day head down to Leeds for a picnic and play at Woofing Woods!

We booked the longest slot possible which is 2 hours and cost £36 and had no idea what to expect. I'm sure you can tell from the photos though that it was wonderful! To see my old boy wander where he wanted, sniff until his heart was content and just in general enjoy a walk with no worries that a dog would come running out of nowhere towards him. 
We wish Woofing Woods was closer because we'd visit more often but we do hope to visit again at some point. It's such a great idea and I commend the owners on what they have done, providing a safe and fun place for dogs and their families to have a relaxing and special time in nature. It was a smooth process from booking to getting inside and leaving, everything was well-kept and there was a great variety of spaces for dogs to play and explore.

We had a slow walk through exploring when we got there, stopped at one of the picnic tables to have our picnic dinner and then had some more playtime. The time flew and as Baker is 12 and struggles with his joints we did leave about 20 minutes early but it was still well worth the money. 
If you'd like to read more about Woofing Woods you can find them here > Woofing Woods.
I hope my beautiful boy's face made you smile :)