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A Woodland Walk at Calke

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Earlier this week I posted a visit to Calke Abbey and in particular to rather different Gardens. Seasonal visits are made throughout the year.  I also mentioned that I make much more regular visits to Calke  and its extensive ancient Woods and Parkland. Every visit is different and with the ability to freely wander, a new route can be made each trip.

So with a sun high in the sky, following a rather wet day and an ominous forward forecast, it did seemed to good an opportunity to miss.

My last woodland visit was only 8 days previous, the Trees were bare, just bold skeletons. But now, what a change.  Leaves bursting everywhere.  The Chestnut and Oak were the fullest and the Beech were just a little behind.

The biggest change was on the woodland floor.  Bluebells had started their short lived period of flower.  Still to develop fully; it is a race to reach fruition before the Beech Leaves form a dark canopy and the Bluebells return to  whence they came… till next Spring.

So join me on a Woodland Walk and the occasional Bluebell glade…

There are many old Oak trees across the parkland, but I admit to a special affection for one in particular.  It was named as ‘The Old Man of Calke’.

Not many years ago it was dated as being over 1000 years old.  It would appear that they have revisited that time scale and now say ..over 1200 year. In some ways not a great deal remains… certainly a very stubby hollow trunk.  Branches are not the usual sturdy Oak branches… but each year it sports a new head of Oak leaves and even acorns in the autumn.  So out of habit, I always check up on the Old Man to pay my respects.

The Trust who own the Park, have this winter, decided one of its neighbours needs to share some protection from visitors… the fencing has been extended.  To me this now becomes  ‘The Son of the Old Man’

( I should add that there are many old Oaks across the park…Some folk even suggest that some are even older than the Old Man.. What tales they could tell)

Enjoy this weekend, I hope the weather is kind for all of us…. and as always…

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

19th April
(C) David Oakes 2025

4 thoughts on “A Woodland Walk at Calke”

    1. Well you know what they say about Oak Trees. They take 300 years to grow, 300 years to live and then 300 years to die. Well this one beats that by 300+ years. I also suspect that the insects eating away the core are now the biggest danger rather than the weather.

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  2. With your surname I am not surprised that you are fond of oak trees. So many bluebells – I always think of them as May flowers.

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