Autumn Trees in Ecclesbourne Glen - September 2013

Saturday 14th September 2013 was the date for the walk with Dr Owen Johnson through one of the most diverse and beautiful parts of the park. The walk was well attended with 17 people including Julie Apps the head ranger for the parks, and Jacqueline and Rod from the Friends committee.

We were very lucky with the weather after heavy rain the day before and even more rain on the Sunday. Despite the rain on the Friday the paths were relatively dry and easy to walk on.

Owen took us into Ecclesbourne Glen explaining the variety of trees and how they came to be part of the park eco system. He even explained how you could tell where ancient grazing fields had been, by the type of trees now growing where they once were.

Owen answered the variety of questions succinctly using his vast wealth of knowledge. He also dispelled a lot of popular myths including one about the amount of holly berries on the tree forecasting how hard the winter will be.

At the end there was a round of applause and many very positive comments.

Overall the walk was very interesting and l think everybody went away with a little more knowledge about trees and this wonderful part of the country park.