Late summer Calke Walk

I love Calke Abbey and walking in the grounds is always a pleasure whatever time of day or year you go.  On Wednesday I parked in the main car park and did my usual circuit down the road to the reservoir, along the path past the deer park and out towards the lambing area (well worth a visit in February and early March).  I walk through some woodlands to a delightful pasture, sometimes used for grazing and sometimes used for camping by the Craft Fair stall holders during the May Day bank holiday.  Along this route there are signs so I look closer (photos to follow).  A Tree Trail has been set up and it is wonderful.  A placard tells you the type of tree and a little information, and the undergrowth has been cleared so you can get a better look.  The oaks are magnificent in their aged hollowed but still living state and the walking lime was a fantastic surprise when you look for the clues, look up into the canopy and around and see.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey/?campid=MIDPPC

 Some plants, such as strawberries, propagate themselves by sending off shoots with "babies" attached.  When the young plants reach the ground, they put down roots, becoming independent.  A walking lime does this.  It's quite amazing to look up and along the links between "mum" and "babies" to think how many patient years and decades this has taken.  I did not take a picture as there are just some things you have to experience first hand.

See the site below for other lovely trees.
http://www.kew.org/news/kew-blogs/arboretum-team/kews-old-lions-celebrate-anniversary.htm