Autumn this year seems to have lasted for ages and the trees that benefitted from this most of all, in terms f leaf colour, were the oaks. As part of my continuing search for beautiful ancient and veteran trees, I went several times to Richmond Park in Surrey. I took many photos only a short walk from Pembroke House and was astonished by the bonsai like forms and contortions of the oaks there.
As in Cowdray Park in Sussex, there is a policy of leaving the trees alone to gently age and decay as naturally as possible. So there are many dead branches on the ground around the hollow trees. Thus providing habitat for insects and small mammals. I imagine too that the owl and bat populations are doing very well in the park as are the semi-tame deer who only stand and stare at passing photographers who keep a respectful distance.
