Sunday morning and far too nice a day not to be out and about.  The plan was to head to some South Derbyshire Oak and Chestnut Woods in search of some signs of autumn and its colours.

Whilst we failed to find those elusive autumnal colours we did come across this lone Fallow Deer Stag.

He looked in magnificent condition, but was keeping himself to himself, and well away from the herd, so I guess the Fallow Deer Rut is over.

Nor did we disturb him.  He remained relaxed, accepted our presence and started to grace the lower branches of the Oak.  Once satisfied he just gentled turned away and ever so slowly calmly glided off in complete silence…

Just a few magic moments in the company of a fine stag.

Autumn colours still have to arrive.  The woods still have there green summers cloths on and also full of their own magic in the October sunshine.

There is one special resident in these woods.  He is know as the “Old Man of Calke”.  As this Oak has been in these woods for well over 1000 years, it is only right to go and pay our respects to him, which we do on every visit..

When those visits are nearing another years end, we do always wonder if he will survive yet another winter.  His trunk may be hollow and his hair now sparce but each winter he does seem to come through undaunted.

As for the colours of autumn…. well they will arrive, as and when ready, in their own good time.

Till then and as always….

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

10th October

(C) David Oakes 2021