Beautiful…
Everything is different in the forest. Sound, sight, but above all, time. Right now, the forest is at its peak. Blazing with colour. It is holding off the drabness of winter. Time stands still. For a week or two, the forest positively glows, in defiance.
Wake Valley Pond
The colour is spectacular!
Epping Forest is still a secret. It’s on the outskirts of London – still on the tube network! And yet I took this photos this week, and the forest was empty. Not a soul. If there was movement it was deer or squirrel. Sound only from birds and wind (plus the inevitable rumble of traffic in the distance…) Time really does stand still. It’s bliss…
The Lost Pond
Quiet reflections
The Loughton Meanders
The forest is predominantly Beech, hence the yellow and orange. Not too much Ash, thank heavens! A tragedy if the disease were to wipe out the forest. Like a thin finger it stretches 10 miles long, and roughly 1-2 miles wide north/south, right into London. An east London haven and escape.
More meanders
Sentinel trees
The forest has been inhabited for ever. Legend has it that Boudicca, queen of the British and scourge of Roman invaders, was trapped and killed in Ambresbury Banks.
Iron Age fortifications
Boudicca’s resting place
Whether or not the Boudicca legend is true, it feels ancient. Time really does stand still. Breathe deeply, refresh, stop and watch the glory of the season. Then, enough, back to the hurly burly…
Ancient pathways
New growth, the cycle continues.
November 16th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Such brilliant colours! And to think, right on our doorstep. I do love the autumn in the forest. Great pictures, Tom, as always.
November 18th, 2012 at 10:32 am
lovely set of photos, you can feel the fresh air and the smell of damp leaves. A warm coat, good boots and a dog. Lovely.
Mike
November 18th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Beautiful and surreal.
November 19th, 2012 at 7:40 am
It looks idyllic. Nothing like nature to refresh the soul. (ps thanks for the visit!)
November 19th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Brilliant Autumn collection. Neat