Finding magic by the water. A walk along in the shade with a Reservoir for company.

2022 has been something of a “strange year” in one way it has been a year of contrasts and in the next way it has been a year of changes, changes in the climate and with that the summer has been questionable to say the least - with temperatures in some parts of the country reaching a barmy 40 degrees! I mean when we think of 40 degree heat it tends to be associated with places like The Middle East, Asia, America and of course Australasia; thinking that the UK would see 40 degrees many years ago was unthinkable - now of course though it is sadly reality and whilst the 40 degree heat was around during July, after then the heatwave sort of went away, instead a much more breathable heat stepped into its place and remained - warm but just where was 40 degrees? That of course was nothing more than a distant memory; but perhaps even a glimpse into the future. Of course though July progressed and we said goodbye to it, August turned up at the doorstep and with that a gradual change came yet again, with weather models showing,

“Yet another heatwave is on the way, instead of 40 degrees it will be above 30 degrees and unfortunately for many rather uncomfortable with the added bonus of tropical nights, when the night time temperature remains above the 20 degree mark.”

Of course though 30 degrees is more comfortable than 40 degrees, well yes it is to some degree, but slowly we said goodbye to the breathable temperatures of the mid 20s, and the heatwave came back again, uncomfortable to go out in the day - but what about evening? Dusk time just on the cusp of the sun going down, would that be a good time to go out? Perhaps it would be a good time to go out, I mean people in other countries where they are acclimatized to the heat tend to go out later when the temperature has dropped and using that synopsis I had decided where I wanted to go. “Somewhere with shade” of course is what sprung into my mind and somewhere that I could enjoy the last of the heat without it being too hot. Of course this particular August evening the heat from the day had dropped slightly, instead of 30+ degrees it was a barmy and rather cool 29.5 degrees, a refreshing change in some way yet something of sanctimonious torture in another way. Either way though I knew in the back of my mind that 29.5 degrees here in the UK during the evening is not exactly what you would expect or even call comfortable. But by now I had arrived at Moorgreen Reservoir, a glorious hidden Reservoir located amongst the rolling hills of DH Lawrence Country in Nottinghamshire, and a Reservoir that of course has links to the many novels that DH Lawrence published - yet this stretch of water is not owned by Severn Trent, instead it is owned by The Canal and River Trust; that aside though I have been visiting this stretch of water since I was young, but of course due to Covid the chance to explore it again when we were told “to stay at home and only travel locally” was something that plunged me back into exploring this silent yet beautiful stretch of water and the pathway that runs by the side of it, of course with the added benefit of the shade.

The pathway by the side of the Reservoir though is shaded and to some extent the stretch of woodland here paves the way for Moorgreen Woods, a magical area of woodland that flows towards Felly, and one where pathways can lead you on magical encounters of wildlife that exists in the woodland - not to mention the artwork that the trees and the landscape provide as they co-exist together in perfect harmony. But here I was at the start of the pathway, to the right of me the former lodge house, and to the left of me a dreamy scene overlooking the reservoir with a magical light - dreamlike almost and as I looked across the water a strange peace enveloped me.

Summer dreaming by The Reservoir.

Dreamlike with the greens and the cool of the water in the distance; for was I encountering the first piece of magic that I would encounter? Quite possibly, but for now the track in front of me was leading the way, I continued to walk on, but then ahead of me I could notice the track providing a leading line towards what appeared to be something slightly autumnal, I stopped and paused and took the following photo.

Walking towards Autumn.

“Autumn in the leaves, for this is August.” is what was in my mind at this stage, and lately though I have noticed something of an early Autumn, but is it really Autumn? No it is not, instead it is the effects of a heatwave; thus meaning that a lack of water within the earth has meant that the leaves are not hydrated, lack of hydration and that is the reason as to why in August things have been looking rather “Autumnal” to say the least. But then something to my right caught my eye; and this was shortly after I had noticed the autumnal looking scene that had been in front of me - this time a tree that looked as if it had been plucked straight from October and had travelled back in time.

Autumn Arrival in August.

October tree in August.

The autumnal looking tree was now behind me, the sun to the left of me had now started to glow orange and was seeping through the trees creating something magical, but ahead of me I could see the twists and turns of the track that I was on.

Moorgreen Twists and Turns.

Before long I had reached a point where the track splits, to the left was a pathway and ahead of me the track that I had been walking along continued to private land, the only option now was to turn left, and it was here that things would begin to change even more. Looking ahead of me I noticed a scene like something from Lord of The Rings, perhaps now I was walking along a pathway to middle earth? But no; this footpath that I was on more than likely would be the same one that DH Lawrence would have also walked along; the shades of green now looking vivid, the light obstructed by the trees.

A path to Middle Earth.

Walking along the footpath I noticed that around me I was surrounded by the most magical and magnificent artwork, all affected by the light, by the shade and it was more like being surrounded by sculpture; it really was sculpture but living sculpture and I knew I had to take some photographs of this living art gallery, a natural living art gallery that is something truly unique.

A Living Sculpture.

Mushroom Tree.

Statue in the light.

A sense of magic, on the one hand a living art gallery I was amongst with living sculpture, to the left of me the sunlight doing it’s magical thing and then all of a sudden I had to pause - if only to document something that next year, next august possibly will never occur again, for this was the end result.

Split second Orange of the Tree.

By now it was time to turn around and retrace my steps, I had not made it to the old sight of Felly Mill, but back along the magical pathway I had to walk back on, this time noticing some more interesting and curious things, artwork on the way and again a sense of something ethereal was in the mind, curious shapes and shades now lay ahead of me and on the right hand side of me towards Moorgreen Reservoir, the light had changed, from orange to something that a watercolour artist would paint, or a landscape artist would sketch, a pastel tone had developed and gone was the orange in the sky, I knew that ahead of me something magical would be waiting for me, but ahead of me the mysterious green pathway.

Woodland Harmony.

Heatwave Shade.

Along the alien path.

Into the distance.

Portal to Autumn.

After a short while I had made it back to the track that I had originally walked along, now I was heading back in the direction of where I had started the walk, before long I got to a section of the track that I had walked on, but now to my left, something that I had missed out on, behind the small but perfectly formed purple flowers - majestic pine trees stood, but the purple flower really did stand out to me.

Purple beauty perfection.

Purple, for that was the colour of the skies and I had literally taken a photo of something purple - a “sign of things to come?” Perhaps that was what the purple flower had told me and before long I was at the end of the track that I had set off from. But then I knew that I had to see the glorious purple light, the sun had dipped below the horizon and a little short walk I found myself overlooking Moorgreen Reservoir, what was ahead of me was magic, and I had clearly found this magic, it was right in front of me.

Serenity under a pastel sky.

Purple is the end of the heatwave.

A Purple Postcard.

Floating on purple.

Purple Vista.

For I had walked along a track and a pathway that I had walked on many times before - but on this occasion I had found magic by the water, and that was during a heatwave, all be it when it was slightly cooler; but even if the landscape around me was looking parched, colour was still found and all that with the reservoir for company and that was just something else, something that as a landscape photographer I shall have in the back of my mind for a long time; for next time I do that particular walk, will I see scenes like that? Certainly not, and capturing magical scenes by the water is something that I shall not forget, neither will I forget the heatwave, but even during a heatwave beauty can still be found. All you have to do is find it.

Simplicity and Drama: The views of the pathway to the magical secret woods, views and vistas.

Lockdown is probably the last thing that is on people's minds, but for me as a landscape photographer it offered “something of an opportunity to discover new locations.” And, one of those locations thankfully was local; especially when we were “being told to stay at home and protect the NHS.” But, we were still allowed under quite convoluted rules to have exercise and to explore the locality; plenty of people discovered new things and I did, in this case it was probably the most delightful and hidden spot that I have come across, somewhere magical and somewhere largely secretive that is a sanctuary for both walkers and wildlife. Yes the Nottinghamshire countryside might be upon first appearances as not much of a heaven for landscape photography, but I completely disagree - Nottinghamshire offers so much for the landscape photographer with rolling hills, interesting views and of course hidden villages, some of them even having delightful village greens. But on top of that Nottinghamshire happens to be famous for woodland and of course forests, the kind of forests which Robin Hood used to reside within and subsequently have some questionable adventures. Yes a contrast of a county is what Nottinghamshire is.

However though yesterday I had found myself at Alma Hill, a high point located just on the outer fringes of Kimberley, a Nottinghamshire town, not too far from the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border, and Alma Hill sounds like it could just be any ordinary hill and that it is, residential housing; but then look due North West from here and vista’s are all around as far as they eye can see. Of course though something is unique about Alma Hill, and it is the starting point of a walk that takes you to the magical secret and enchanting woodland that I discovered during Lockdown. I had walked just a short distance down the path and immediately had to stop; for to the left of me and behind me the sunshine was basking the landscape and yet straight ahead in the direction of Greasley Church, imposing menacing skies lay ahead, dark and often referred to as “Bill’s Mother” for some reason; and I managed to capture the following.

Greasley vista from Alma Hill - (Landscape).

Greasley vista from Alma Hill - (Portrait).

Greasley Framed - (Landscape).

Greasley Framed - (Portrait).

I continued down this magical undulating pathway; the old road becoming more apparent with old bricks and stones that would have once carried wondering shoes on them; in a time before the motor vehicle was even thought of, and the footpath, the old stones and bricks got the mind thinking; for what stories would they tell of a time when things would have been different, more simple than what they are now; I walked a little further and then paused for a minute, looking over the fields - something of simplicity stood out and the colour of the field and the big sky above me just spoke to me somehow, needless to say that I had to take the following photo.

Simplicity of farmland.

After a short pause I continued to walk, but then something to the left of me distracted me slightly, a view over the town which DH Lawrence used to call home; where he grew up and lived thus walked; yet in the distance the flanks of The Derbyshire Dales; with Crich Stand and The Windmills that sit above Carsington Water, just visible on the horizon some sixteen miles away as the crow flies. Now normally you would think of Nottinghamshire as being low lying, but no it is a county of Juxta Points and vistas in the most unexpected places.

Juxta Pointed.

Continuing on the footpath, trodden by many with stories to tell, I continued, noticing the changes in the landscape; subtle is what they were and yet the landscape parched, a contrast though with some greenery that is slowly beginning to return after a heatwave of extreme proportions in which the temperature in Nottinghamshire officially reached 39.8 degrees at Watnall Met Office Weather Station; although across the county I am pretty sure that the temperature did touch 40 degrees - needless to say though that the parched landscape in front of me with the rolling hills looking towards Derbyshire made for an interesting composition, and it was this simplicity that I just loved. I knew I had to capture the rolling serene scene that was in front of me.

As far as the eye can see - (Portrait).

As far as the eye can see - (Landscape).

Contrasts on the horizon.

Of course though one of the more interesting photographs above shows the contrast, to the left across the fields towards Derbyshire the skies were clear, yet as I turned around ever so slightly Bill’s Mother was still there adding something of a contrast, on the horizon you can clearly see some parched fields with a dramatic and imposing sky - the farm on the horizon being just off Narrow Lane. Needless to say that magic happened again and before long, the pathway ahead of me dipped, dropped downwards, down hill and a man with his dog walking up towards me was something I had to capture.

The walk up (Landscape).

The walk up - (Portrait).

The pathway with more exposed parts of the old road from yesteryear continued to fill me with curiosities and frames everywhere kept appearing with views over a parched arid landscape; for if we get a drought will it be our fault for ruining the planet that we live on? And if so should we instead respect the planet that we live on? Either way the framed compositions with the rolling hills made for another perspective photo opportunity that I had to capture; again with simplicity the frame and the views were something else.

Parched and Framed - (Portrait).

Parched and Framed - (Landscape).

Before long at the bottom of the hill, I looked to the right, another “big sky” and a footpath that I have walked both down and up, was in front of me, simply surrounded by clouds, blue skies that provided something of a portal, alien almost flanked by green crops and green trees - ethereal almost yet so calming; walking around the side of the gate I continued along the last bit of pathway before another portal this time,

Portal - (Landscape).

Portal - (Portrait).

“To the magical secret woods; for this is Watnall Woods and there is a sense of calm here. Sit on one of the two benches and you will be greeted with a symphony of music; the music of nature is what this is - birds, squirrels and other wildlife will greet you, all you need to do is to be patient and before long these woodlands will encroach themselves around you and you end up being on another planet away from the woes, worries and troubles that planet earth is in. Yet here you forget that you are on planet earth - for Watnall Woods feels like a world away and it is that which remains soothing and calm. For here it is true escapism.”

Looking back on me though in the distance, Winston; a local landmark and a wind turbine was visible on the horizon, basking under the late afternoon/early evening sun, framed by a tree and providing Energy for Severn Trent.

Winston Framed - (Portrait).

Winston Framed - (Landscape).

Now though I was in the woodland, magical and a world away from the pathway I had walked down, the light had changed - one of the benches to the left of me and a dream like light with greenery providing the frame and another view of the pathway that I had walked down, the light somewhat flat but I just loved how dreamlike it was.

Dream Framed.

I then sat down and before long the wildlife started to appear, only occasionally being disturbed by passers by, after the passers by had gone, the wildlife came back out again; squirrels and other small birds came to eat and to talk in only a language that they can; for me that language translated into one of nature's music, a symphony somehow of pure natural music that should be heard, that is both blissful and beautiful.

No one can see me, or can they?

Feeding time.

Line of sight is the Squirrel.

After immersing myself in the music of nature I noticed the inner beauty of the woodland and behind me the views across the barley, I captured the following two photographs.

Dreams over Landscape - (Portrait).

Dreams over Barley - (Landscape).

But then the beauty of Watnall Wood began to catch my eyes, artwork all over and the textures and patterns along with shapes within the wood stood out, for it was like a living art gallery and one that just spoke with it’s own words, in front of me surrounded by greenery was a leaf, a yellow colour leaf just perfectly framed and the rest of the woodland was like an art gallery with pictures everywhere that just needed to be discovered.

Living artwork.

Yellow framed by green - (Landscape).

Yellow framed by green - (Portrait).

Golden under glow of the woods - (Portrait).

Golden under glow of the woods - (Landscape).

Exit? For I had to say goodbye to the woodlands that I had been enjoying, that had provided serenity and serendipity along with artwork and of course the music of nature - for I had just walked a short distance from the woods back on the path that I had walked down and looked to the right, the skies still dark and dramatic, the scene of rolling hills and the drama of the skies was something else, again Greasley Church dominating the skyline and providing a focal point amongst the landscape was like a marriage to some degree, a marriage of landscape and architecture.

Layers - (Landscape).

Layers - (Portrait).

Church to the left, Nature all around.

Through fields towards.

Eventually I reached the gate, but then I looked left, a driveway leading down to some glorious properties that remain largely hidden was now in front of me with an ethereal light shining down, golden in colour; and magical, like something from a TV Drama perhaps?

A magic slice of light.

I continued, the views had changed again and the simplicity and drama within the landscape was just speaking to me again and in front of me a golden parched field, ahead of that Winston and something of a slightly unusual composition came about, I lowered the camera slightly and this was the end result. Needless to say that I like it.

Winston's Golden Glow. 

Before long, I managed to get to the top of the hill, for here the views had changed and the vistas had also changed, to the right of me again the retail park with a certain Swedish furniture store and another perspective of Winston and in front of me the view across the Nottinghamshire countryside towards Leicestershire on the horizon.

Certain Swedish Furniture Store.

Leicestershire on the horizon.

However, I then looked back, for I had finished this walk and behind me something magical, the skies were full of drama, saying a humble goodbye and the countryside was rolling, the hills and the views and vistas had been something else.

Green meets Bill's Mother.

Split of the skies.

Rolling towards Drama.

For this walk had been truly magical, a walk that I first discovered during Lockdown, that ever since has always thrown up many surprises, gems and views. Ever changing yes but one that always has something else to offer no matter what the time of year it is, and maybe just maybe it offers something else because it is so unique; for the simplicity and drama along with the views of the pathway that changes moment by moment is just something truly magical that you simply have to experience, for I have and even to this date it is a relatively undiscovered place to walk that offers so much more, that just proves that Nottinghamshire is a county of photogenic secrets and I think this just proves that. Now then, when will Autumn arrive so I can retrace my steps and experience the bold colours of artwork that nature provides? Guess I shall have to wait a while.