14th October 2026, the day dawns not too cold, not too wet, not too windy. We hop a bus, and another. We’re going to Broadland Country Park, the one-time grounds of an ‘English Country House’, now a nature reserve. Its former existence is obvious from the woodland which comprises two different plantations: one of chestnut, one of pine – but that’s not all that’s there. Bring your water, bring your lunch, and let’s go…

14th October 2026

🔼 The chestnut plantation along the forest bank, beyond is agricultural land 🔽 Where there is open space you can lay bets that the birch will set up their own little plantation!

14th October 2026

14th October 2026

🔼 Between chestnut and pine is a somewhat soggy space! 🔽 At ‘wood’s end’ the one-time owner planted beech ⏬

14th October 2026

14th October 2026

14th October 2026

🔼 And then begins the pine. But around the edges is not pine alone. Here is rowan and holly providing colour in the lower levels 🔽

14th October 2026

14th October 2026

🔼 The path through the pines here turns cosy. That’s welcome, cos here’s a seat where we stop for an early lunch 🔽 Thereafter the pines disappear to be replaced by an open pasture (we’re warned not to trespass for a bull grazes here!)

14th October 2026

🔽 Around about here we encounter the Brewery Tap Cycling Club. After they’ve completed their cycling they’ll meet up at their pub for a beer. We banter. Nice Lads.

14th October 2026

14th October 2026

🔼 This place isn’t done with us yet. I finally find an oak tree! 🔽 And yet another rowan. Love this play of light

14th October 2026

Hope you enjoyed. We did. Now to catch a bus, and another bus, to take us home