Bald trees

A ramble through Ham Lands brought me to this cluster of trees shorn of their leaves and with their nudity cruelly exposed by the clear bright light.

No games in Petersham Close

I like this sign for its looks, but not for what it says. It seems harsh to ban all games from the little area of grass in Petersham Close.

Lake at Thames Young Mariners

This is view from the tow path of the north-west corner of the lake at Thames Young Mariners where a shallow bank attracts birds.

Frozen pond

A spell of cold weather has frozen most of Ham Pond leaving the ducks, geese and swans one small corner to swim in.

Narrow path

After the recent gloom surrounding the desecration of Ham Common Woods it was good to return to the wilds of Ham Lands and get somewhat lost exploring paths like this one.

Rust

At low tide the embankment is exposed by Thames Young Mariners and the clear Winter sun sharpens the colours that the water and the years have conjured from the metal.

New buildings in Petersham Meadows

Petersham Meadows lies between the bend in Petersham Road and the river and is normally just outside of the scope of my wanderings through Ham but this new building is so obtrusive that it deserves recording here.

Cairn Cottage and The Stables

There are two houses hidden behind the Legless Frog (formerly the Hand and Flower) and this sign on Upper Ham Road alerts you to their presence.

New track

The entrance to Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts from the tow path used to be a dirt track but now it is getting a tarmac finish. I hope that is not a further example of the urbanisation of the Ham Lands.