Winter can be beautiful!

Near Andy's mum's is a small lake, which was formerly a lime pit.  The surrounding area has been made into a nature reserve.  Ducks swim across the lake and anglers fish from its edges. There are bridges and paths, wooden walkways across boggy areas and logged steps cut into slopes, all encouraging families, dog walkers and runners to make the most of this local beauty spot. Close by runs a canal with more wildlife and the whole area is surrounded by farmland. It really is a hidden treasure on the edge of urbanization.

I often walk and run in this area, so during the holiday I set off with my camera to see how the snow and ice had changed it.

 The path runs next to farmland. This was around 3pm, so the sun was very low in the sky.

 The lake was frozen solid with animal and bird tracks all over it, and even a few footprints.

 Snow-covered fungi growing from the tree trunk with the sun setting between the tree.

 This hoar frost on a blackberry thorn appeared like leaves growing out from the stem.

 Frost-covered ferns, making them look like flowers.

Fabulous! Creation at its best!