October 2006 Nature Notes Last week I enjoyed a most wonderful stroll down the Bridleway path from Wapping Bridge to the cross roads near Biddick Hall. It was an early reminder that autumn is upon us; it could have been called the stroll amongst the seeds. From my first encounter with the road, strewn with Canadian Maple seeds, then onto the next carpet of Beech, which I couldn't resist on collecting a few. Trouble is with these beech seeds its like picking strawberries, you just have to have another one then another. Further along this delightful stroll was the mighty English Oak, the path covered in acorns; well the grey squirrels will have plenty to eat this winter. This year Mother Nature has blessed us with an abundant harvest of seeds and fruit. I am even enjoying the apples from my garden this year. Some seasons there are hardly any acorns from the oaks, some years the beech seeds are infertile, (a squeeze between finger and thumb usually determines if the seed contains the nut, which makes it fertile). The last flush from the wild pink campion still adds a dash of colour to the walk. Catch it before the frost does. Woodpigeons seem to be a good sign that seed from the beech is available as flocks rise from the base of the trees when disturbed. So this small section of the Weardale Way, is just on our doorstep waiting to be enjoyed. Get out and about while you can. Ken.