We were so lucky to get some snow on a Sunday this December. On the following day I woke up to rain near the coast so I dashed up to take some pictures. It was a very different picture in Epping Forest as I arrived in sleet and was rewarded with a few hours of whiteout and heavy snow. Apparently the best days were the snowy Sunday and sparkly icy conditions on the Tuesday. Typically I came up on the Monday whiteout and rain on Wednesday!
In November and December I accompanied two walking groups in the forest. Both are organised by the Buckhurst Hill Community Association who do a range of activities for local people. The first walk was run by Robert Levene and we walked from Earl’s Path. It was a beautiful autumn day and so refreshing to be out in the forest. The second walk was led by Tricia Moxey at Lord’s Bushes and Knighton Woods. She talked about the natural history of the area and we discussed the beautiful trees there. I love the fact that members of these walking groups have many different motivations to be there but all enjoy the sociability and being out in the forest during the different seasons.
More Introductions to Interesting Trees & People
Robert Levene & his walking group in Epping Forest
- Tricia Moxey’s walking group at Lords Bushes & Knighton Woods
The WRENS Group Tree Photography Exhibition
I was pleased recently to meet the WRENS Wildlife and Conservation Group at theTemple in Wanstead. I attended a short walk led by Tim Harris the Chairperson and then attended their beautiful exhibition with the theme ‘Trees in the Landscape’. I got the opportunity to talk to members about their images and then talked about my project and displayed a small selection of prints from my Ancient Trees of Epping Forest exhibition.
Winter
Despite the brief snow we had, Winter is one of my favourite times of the year for trees. You can really see the shape and form of the trees in all their glory. I particularly like the characterful shapes against dramatic winter skies and if you look more closely the textures and patterns in the bark. This little robin appeared at Lord’s Bushes during one of the winter walks. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas whatever you are doing.
