Ancient Trees at Bradgate

Bradgate has some wonderful old trees, particularly ancient Oaks where you can see how the trees have responded to fungal destruction of the heart wood by putting on extra growth on the perimeter to produce a stable structure. Branches that have fallen remain alive as long as there is some connection to the roots. The oldest trees have been strapped and supported by metal structures. Mainly the trees are still green with a few trees showing beautiful autumn hues.

Fallow Deer at Bradgate

The Fallow deer greatly outnumber the Red Deer and are my favourites with their beautiful markings. The Rut is in full swing with the young males fighting frequently, the dominant stag spending all his time parading and bellowing (or croaking in the Fallow's case). We found one young Stag busily digging the bracken and coming up wearily a magnificent 'hat'. 

 

 

Red Deer at Bradgate Park

I spent yesterday reacquainting myself with Bradgate ready for an RPS Nature Group outing on Saturday. Mostly it was cloudy with occasional showers but later in the afternoon the sun broke through just as the Red Deer congregated close enough to get some images of the stag bellowing and the delicate hinds.

After the Rain at Cambridge Botanic Gardens

The weather was just perfect for a trip to the Botanic Gardens yesterday with rain until we arrived and then bright clear sunshine shining through or onto wet autumnal poppies and leaves.

Edme Factory and Station at Mistley

EDME has been based on the same site in Mistley since  the late 19th century. Originally called The Condensed Wort and Brewer’s Meal Company, the business was renamed The English Diastatic Malt Extract Company in 1884, a mouthful that was eventually shortened to EDME Ltd in 1897. EDME has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century; some employees have family involvement in the company going back many generations. 

Mistley Station was opened by the Eastern Union Railway in 1854 and the brick-built two-storey Italianate station building  is Grade II listed.