River Axe Walk to Brean Down, Part I,Along The South bank, Lush and Green as the River Axe meanders
Channel: semw52
Date: 2023-05-12

For 3 months of the year and for the very first time walkers can follow the south side of the River Axe from Brean Sluice Gate to Brean Down Farm as part of the South West  Coast Walking Route.This section of the River Axe is closed to the public for 9 months of the year because it  it a protected area, a Waterbird Refuge for birds like the Red Shank, 'described as the 'Sentinels of the Marsh'.The farmer also grazes his cattle here but the  new calves and their mums are  off the river bank at the moment and kept in a gated field...The marsh land and the fast moving river can be a risk for young calves and humans...On this visit I did meet, later in the walk, 5 curious young heifers.
Anyway it was the day after  the Royal Crowning of King Charles III so a walk was needed, fresh air and sunshine and lush green  banks , blue skies and pretty wild flowers....This was the first time I had ever walked here so it was full of anticipation. I know Brean Down very well and have walked it many times over the years...I have also walked on the North side often which is open all year...On the Uphill side of the River Axe....