Wildlife


Solly Sunflower

Solly Sunflower grew up in the Cotswolds. She came to live in Surrey and had many friends in the beautiful village of Brockham. Times changed and she moved away. Eventually meeting and marrying Bobby Ballcock. “Solly” was consigned to history and she became “Diddley” in a wonderful new life.


Can it Kill You?

“Can it kill you?” asked granddaughter Daisy. “Totally harmless, Daisy.” said grandad Bobby. “I picked it up and put it in the undergrowth to stop it being trodden on. It’s a BFG. Like me!”


Are You An Explorer?

Explorer “Are you an Explorer?” the little girl asked. “I am” said Bobby. “And so are you.”


“Let’s do it!”

“Let’s do it!”


Introducing Bewick the Bear

Bewick the Bear We are delighted to announce that Mindfully Bertie has a new bear. Bewick the Bear. He is very special, being a limited edition Merrythought bear created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust (WWT). Known originally as the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.


Finding “Serenity”

This little Robin Redbreast is hereby christened ‘Serenity‘. Over twenty four minutes on Holmwood Common he transported Bobby to another world. A world where nothing mattered. No anxiety. No tribulations. No expectations. No exhortations. Nothing but serenity. For twenty four minutes. The time between the first and last photographs.


Three Little Boys

Once upon a time there were Three Little Boys. Jason, Jay and Bobby Jason is tiny and not yet two. Jay is little and nearly six. Bobby is huge and nearly 78. Jason doesn’t say much. He wouldn’t yet, would he? Thinks a lot. Jay is the live-wire that Bobby was told he was when…


The Allotment

Bertie: “It’s too bleedin ‘ot!” Bobby: “I know, Bertie. It might help if you took that scarf off!” Bertie: “No way. I’d feel naked without it.” Bobby: “You would be!”


Far From the Madding Crowd – Times Two

Far From the Madding Crowd: Part 1. Wisley. Far From the Madding Crowd at Wisley Gardens. Book your online ticket early. The timed slots soon get filled up. Choose an early one to avoid car park bedlam. But don’t be deterred, later is OK if you are patient. Late afternoon is a lovely time to…


We Saved the Moon Daisies… Year 2

Moon Daisies Yes! We saved the Moon Daisies again. This time in May/June 2021. By “we”, we mean collectively all those who cared about, were disappointed by or, in our case, dismayed that once again our memory of Diddley loving the Moon Daisies had been besmirched by Surrey County Council (SCC).