Buxted Park has always been a special place to walk for me. In spring the cuckoo can usually be heard, there are often buzzards overhead, and barn owls roost in some of the large trees. Bird song is all around. The lake is alive with ducks and geese. Cormorants can occasionally be seen up in trees on the far side of the second lake, and herons appear regularly.
Unfortunately the days of the deer park are long gone, although the occcasional deer can still be seen in the grounds. Nowadays you are more likely to see a herd of cattle grazing.
It was on an early morning walk one autumn when I arrived at the park to a surreal scene. The whole estate was bathed in mist, with the promise of a beautiful sunrise to come.
I wandered around the lake as the huge Hungarian Oak tree and hotel peered spookily through the mist across the water.
Strolling around the lake and heading uphill towards the church, I could see the sun peeking above the horizon.
The Misty Sunrise
From my vantage point on the slope, I watched and photographed the glorious sunrise develop in front of me. As the sun climbed, the sky and trees were washed with fire, and the mist dissipated in the heat.
Sun Rising
The church behind me was bathed in golden light.
Continuing towards the church, I turned right to head back downhill towards the old pillbox, stopping to snap the ‘preying mantis’ tree on the way before turning right again back towards the lakes.
Following the path beside the the avenue of magnificent lime trees, I’m always amazed at how those which fell like dominoes in the 1987 storms have refused to give up, and continue to thrive despite their roots being ripped out of the ground. They now form a new tree line from their prostrate position, their exposed roots standing like Nature’s architectural sculptures.
Upon returning to the lake, the big oak and hotel were basking in the sunshine, reflecting proudly in the water.
I don’t suppose I will ever manage to catch another morning like that, and am so glad I made the effort to get up early that day.
All photos © Ann Ritchie Photography
