muddy dog

'griend' = osier/withy bed; these were planted for the wicker, which was used for basketweaving and wicker mats, used to reinforce dikes, and of course the wood was and is used for woodburners; these days the excess pulp is used for biomass-energy. Wicker mats are still used for dike reinforcement, however the    willows are planted in straight rows very close to each other, so you get long straight withies. An osier bed as shown in the photo, is maintained for the landscape culture and nature-value. The osier beds attract lots of wild life, such as pheasants (introduced here 2000 years ago by the Romans) roedeer, snipe, owls, hare, fieldmice and many insects. In the open flatlands they offer shelter and food, serve as a windbreak and are visually pleasant.

brambles

rosehips

roedeer tracks

our muddy dog loves a day like this, as it's our shoot; he's running back and forth all day long, forgetting his arthritis

'elfenbankje'

mallard, duck&drake

4 pheasants

unhatched pheasant's egg