A day at the chariot races around ancient stone circle

ancient stones – the Grey Mare and her colt’s burial monument.

This was built about 1,000 years before the stone circle. We know the Celts venerated their horses used in battle and travel and merging into the realm of religion in the form of the Goddess Epona. Over the millennia the stone circle was possibly used for many functions. These include a pagan temple, a ceremonial burial ground and an astronomer’s solar calendar.

When there is such a cultural centre, trade is attracted.

It seems like a great flat plateau to hold some sort of Iron Age fete, with all the fun of the fair – like shows of strength and speed.

In later days it was probably a fair for cattle to be sold, but way before that was it a central meeting spot for rig races for the Celts?

As you walk you see so many tracks all winding to the stone circle it’s not hard to imagine chariots all setting off from various outlying sites, all hell bent on getting there first! I like to think just my simple footsteps churn up a memory or two for the ancient tracks now so quiet.

Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown-up sons and spotty rescue dog. She loves to photograph and write about the everyday wildlife she sees in her garden and on her daily dog walks. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle or contact her with your wildlife observations at sally@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Valentine’s Day is a time for courtship.

What season would you say Valentine’s Day falls in? Some years February 14 can be warm enough for a picnic on the beach, other years frost and snow get in the way of any romantic plans. Although it’s only recently become associated with imported red roses and chocolates, the day for lovers has been observed on February 14 in some form for hundreds of years.

Spring however, is a much more moveable feast. Although not officially starting until March, crocuses, daffodils and primroses are blooming, mild days bring welcome bumblebees buzzing round the garden and song thrushes and blackbirds are starting to sing from the trees and hedgerows. ‘Dating’ has now replaced the term ‘courting’ when it comes to human lovers, with tales of courtship bringing to mind Jane Austen characters taking a walk together in the gardens.

But for much of the wildlife in my garden this Valentine’s Day, courtship is definitely in full swing. Although it may just be courtship, it’s hard not to think of the word love when watching some of my garden birds.

Woodpigeons stay together for life and my garden pair can often be seen, ‘billing and cooing’