#epsomcommon

Epsom Spa & Epsom Salts This well is in the middle of the suburban Wells Estate on Epsom Common In 1618 a villager called Henry Wicker discovered a hole with clear running water but his cattle would not drink the water because of the mineral content. Henry drank the water instead and set about promoting the medicinal benefits and the positive effects of ..... EPSOM SALTS! There were two Wells (Epsom Wells) and Epsom went on to become one of the first spa towns, and way before seaside spa towns. It became very popular, ladies and Gentleman coming from around England to drink the water. By the early 1700s in Epsom there were facilties for dining, dancing, gambling, coffee houses, bowling greens, racing, gardens, meeting people, having a good time, drinking the waters and taking the fresh air the early 18th century equivalent of going on a holiday or a fun or relaxing weekend break! The Epsom wells were small and the water sometimes collected sediment, or was dry. Other spa towns started to compete with Wells with more abundant water, and Epsom spa town sometimes had the reputation for being rowdy and bawdy (kind of the Georgian Blackpool or Ibiza!). Once Epsom Salts could be brought from a chemist (rather than drink from the Wells) decline gradually set in from 1738. The interest in the Epsom waters and racing probably resulted in the Epsom racecourse on Epsom downs and the race known as the Epsom Derby, first run in 1780 and the first Derby. So Epsom has two claims to fame, home of Epsom Salts and the original Derby. All others are imposters! #epsomwells #epsomspa #epsomcommon #epsom #epsomderby #kevthenatureguide (at Epsom Well) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMK75Ekj9pS/?igshid=1i6md5b5st9cv

#epsom #epsomcommon #surrey #hollywoodlodge #derelictplaces #derelictbuilding #graffiti #countryside #whereintheworldislianna (at Epsom Common) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJKoVpK2pM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

ONE YEAR ON. One year ago I arrived home on March16th, the last Antarctic cruise of the season cancelled as the World went into lockdown. Coming into the Heathrow there were no checks, the UK behind other countries starting to lock down. Restrictions were still a week away. Looking back, just one week earlier would have made a lot of difference. Few of us expected to be in the same position one year on, travel and socialising looking bleak for months yet. It has been so tough with the work I was passionate about, gone As a ' seafarer' I have no furlough, and with savings no chance of Universal credit. At least I have a bit of naturalist work and survey work in the UK, but not much. It's been the first time I have had all this spare time at home in ages. So it has been frustrating not being able to for a drink in a pub with a large group, dance, go to a gig, attend a workshop or a talk (zoom is OK but it is not the same). Or what I always liked to do, get in the car and go off exploring wildlife spots and contacting a friend on route (often last minute!). If it was in another part of the country, crashing out at their place and having a chat. I have been lucky to have my own house and garden, to go for local walks and bike rides, like along the Hogsmill river and the other open spaces we have in Epsom and Ewell. Also exploring the Surrey Hiils and to drive further afield when restrictions were at a lower level, even getting to the Breacon Beacons. But thinking of some seafarers and staff on cruise ships, single but active people like me, who rent out a small flat, apartment, or room, with little to explore locally. For them the last year has been like an open prison with no release date, with no income and paying for food and rent. Here is to the end of lockdown, across the World, and we must all strive to protect our local green spaces, and wilderness areas at home and abroad, and a better health system for all. #ewell #hogsmillnaturereserve #hortoncountrypark #epsomcommon #nonsuchpark #priesthillnaturereserve #wildgardens #gardenponds #gadventures #g_expedition #noblecaledonia #ptga #polartourismguides #kevthenatureguide #antarcticambassadors (at Ewell) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeoUtyj2at/?igshid=1vs1jbsqv37oq

A muddy bike ride today. #hogsmillriver #hogsmillnaturereserve #bonesgatestream #hortoncountrypark #epsomcommon #ashteadcommon (at Ashtead Common National Naturereserve) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKHh04-jCqy/?igshid=49vliukqt04y

Did a bit of a zip zag bike ride today of c30km along local muddy trails along the Hogsmill, around Horton Country Park, and the edge of Epsom Common. #hogsmillriver #hogsmillnaturereserve #ewell #hortoncountrypark #epsomcommon (at Epsom and Ewell) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ1ORDVDjrm/?igshid=hr17lhgiq685

Good to go for a walk between rains after the clocks went back. Where will we be with 'corona' when the clocks go forward in 5 months time at the end of winter? #epsomcommon #kevthenatureguide (at Epsom Common) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxNUBHDbfw/?igshid=1p1iir115mpg0

Great to see a White Admiral butterfly on the ground. They are often flying around the canopy of Oak trees. #whiteadmiral #whiteadmiralbutterfly #epsomcommon #kevthenatureguide (at Epsom Common) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBiGpxrDP0N/?igshid=1qhtwzuyemkpd

Been ages since I've got on my bike just to explore the local area. The Borough of Epsom and Ewell is great for open spaces to explore for wildlife, history, and just to be outdoors with space at this time of social distancing #hogsmillnaturereserve #hortoncounrtypark #epsomcommon #nonsuchpark #priesthill #naturalexplorer (at Epsom Ewell) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DhqgXjYEe/?igshid=1bx9z28kpuag0