Blue sky and warm sunshine made for a perfect Autumn day walking in the woods of South Derbyshire.
I have known this Sweet Chestnut for over 25 years, whilst it has grown taller each year, it has shed a few branches in winter winds but more alarming is the increasingly noticeable lean to one side. Whist it may well have a strong trunk and good roots it is also top heavy, fingers crossed that is has many more years ahead of it.
Calke Abbey near Ticknall is where we started our walk a majestic old house in a fabulous Park. The Estate once had several Farms attached Holme Farm was the most central to the house. Deer used to roam the Park but to-day they are restricted to a designated Deer Park area. Deer were of course a major source of food to the Calke Estate, if you search, you will find the old Deer Shelter, much like a normal barn for cattle this shelter provided both shelter and a feeding station for the herd.
Holme Farm The Deer Shelter
A great deal of the Park is woodland of which ancient and majestic Oaks are the outstanding feature
Not all look that health BUT if you were 1000 years old would you look any better! (and yes, some of these trees are estimated to be at least that old). Some are mere skeletons now whilst others struggle to hang on to life for yet another year, no matter they still demand the attention of the eye.
But not all the Oak’s are of the more traditional English varieties. At this time of the year there are a few weeks when the leaves of certain Oaks turn a spectacular rich red…these are the Scarlet Oak.
Whilst we did enjoy more of the colours we associate with Autumn’ it is still green that is the predominant colour……………..it is changing but very slowly this year.
6th November.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 