Rain, Riots and rather nice trees

We have been feeling rather stuck lately with the on again off again depths of winter, alternating with surprise! today could be spring! What to wear? What do you dress the kids in? Frankly it's getting tedious..Sort it out British weather..

The clothing dilemma is only trumped by the what to do with the 3 kids that won't cost money..involve transport (we are not a car owning family) and is not weather dependant. I have pretty much run out of steam on that one, so now I am giving up and decided that rain will not be stopping play! Rain gear on, babies on, brollies up and out the door. 

Our first foray out in the rain took us just up the road to the One Tree Hill nature reserve in Honor Oak Park. The Hill is part of the green chain walk round London which we are going to start exploring. I was surprised how well sign posted the whole reserve is, loads of info as you make your way round the well marked paths. Wildlife, flora and fauna along with bits of local history are covered on the boards.This little gem really made me smile, it turns out that last years riots are nothing new in our neck of the woods, way back in 1897 up to 100,000 angry Londoners battled with police when a golf club fenced off the hill preventing access to local people. No looting over a plasma screen and a pair of trainers! 

As you head up the hill you see St Augustine church, we noticed posters for the One Tree Hill festival which is running from the 18th - 27th of May. You can find a full list of the events of the church website. The further into the reserve you go you almost forget that you are in a city until at the top of the hill you get rewarded with a spectacular view right across London, with Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace in the distance.

It's not a huge place and if the weather had been better we would have continued with the green chain walk but just mooching round in the rain looking at the stunning trees and the cloudy view made all of us feel a little bit fresher. Dodo was impressed with the secret nature on her doorstep and the twins loved looking at everything from the cosy comfort of the sling. Otis has been dubbed "nature boy" as he gets a huge grin and starts kicking his legs every time he looks at a tree! We will make the effort to get out a explore more often..fingers crossed in some sunshine.