Cyn's Nature Notes: Papworth, Its Wonderful Grounds and Amazing Dr. Helen Barker

Thursday, 21 May 2015

Papworth, Its Wonderful Grounds and Amazing Dr. Helen Barker

After a fortnight in Papworth, I am recharged. My lungs needed help and I was admitted for IV treatment, the consultant looking after me was Dr. Barker and on discharge it was the best I had felt in over a year. Imagine I could even lay on my back for a while and it is many years since I have been able to do that.

The kindness and the care I received were second to none, as each day passed I quickly realised that I could breathe more easily and felt stronger than for a long time. Chores such as filling the washing machine had become almost impossible, even emptying the laundry bin took several attempts and I needed a rest before I was able to fill the washing machine and this could only happen if I sat on the floor in front and loaded it. Taking rests between gathering the clothes from in front of me and feeding them into the machine.

Now, it is amazing I can easily fill the machine, such a small happening to be so pleased about, but I am --- and it is all thanks to Dr. Barker.

The grounds of Papworth are wonderful, they are full of majestic old trees, many different species all spread across these beautifully manicured lawns, there is also a duck pond where if one was so inclined one could tarry and while away a long time. However, there is a huge area to explore, quiet grassy walks between wooded areas, many of which were bluebell covered. One of these grassy walks leads to a very special area, it is a circular garden, having an entrance and exit opposite each other and is surrounded by hedges. As one enters there is a heart shaped rose garden and each side a round ring shaped garden, off to one side is a group of five white birch trees. There are seats all round the inner edge of the circular hedge bounding the garden, so there is always somewhere sheltered and peaceful to sit and watch the birds, blackbirds, robins, and pied wagtails being the most commonly seen. The whole of this garden is surrounded by woodland.

Me and my husband Mike in the grounds of Papworth Hospital

I was able to explore the grounds each day and go progressively further the more my lungs cleared. Walks were also taken with visitors and I was able to share my love of these grounds and the fine trees therein with many people, including some of my physiotherapists.

Also next to the grounds is a bluebell wood, it is spectacular and probably the finest bluebell wood I have ever visited, there are other wild flowers there and wonderful fungi, and luckily superb paths to walk and plenty of locals either taking their children or walking their dogs.

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About this Blog

When we moved to our present home in December 1987, I was very ill and bedridden. My garden was a life-saver, although it was very different then. The first thing I did was to put up bird-feeders, and long hours were spent lying indoors in a recliner. This was when I discovered many things. Do you know the underside of every blue tit’s tail is differently marked? Gradually, over the years, the garden changed. We put in shrubs and plants that would not only enhance the garden, but would also be good for wildlife. The first rabbit we saw was so joyful for us. The deer eat the flowers, prune the apple trees, eat the marrow, and are wonderful to watch. Foxes have been a major part of our wildlife. We have fed them each night for more than 20 years. They are such a delight, especially in late summer and early autumn when there are youngsters. They behave like puppies and are great fun to watch.

I love all wildlife: the mason bees that nest in the brickwork of the bungalow, the hornets that last year made their home in the roof above our bedroom, the bees currently nesting in the roof above the bathroom. On a hot evening, if you stand quietly in the bathroom, you can hear this amazing sound: it is very rhythmic and reminds me of the waves at the seaside. It is made by the beating of the bees’ wings as they fan their nest to keep the temperature at the right level -- how many people have heard that sound? I feel so privileged.

Obviously, I feed the birds. When I open the window in the morning I call “Come on Bobby and Blackie”, and one followed swiftly by the other they fly immediately to the bird table. Each morning, on rising, I make my way to the kitchen and find the squirrels already sitting on the window ledge waiting to be fed. Winter brings the moorhens and spring time the mallards. Our pond is a poor effort from a human point of view, but wild creatures see it differently. On summer days, the grass snakes spend long hours in the pond: eating the fish, froglets, toadlings, newts, and any other living creature they can swallow. Although I hate to see the pond emptied this way, I do enjoy the snakes and feel they are an important part of the balance of nature in the garden. Watching a dragonfly nymph climbing out of the pond, up a plant stalk, and then over the next few hours gradually transforming into a beautiful dragonfly -- these are contented hours well spent.

It has been my pleasure to write and publish a nature column each month. I am always delighted to hear how much pleasure this brings to my readers. I have often been asked if I have written a book, so I am making more of my writings and photography available through this web site and blog.