The upper reaches of the forest streams are not commonly visited, what with many being off the beaten path, tucked in hollows and frequently bordered with wet ground. Their isolation gives them an added air of wilderness. Here a section of Bratley Water (later Blackensford Brook, then Black Water, then Fletchers Water before joining Highland Water a couple of miles before it becomes the Lymington River), an area I know to be difficult to traverse during the wet season, is bathed in gentle summer light made dappled by the narrow band of woodland which frequently borders such streams. A few ponies, surprised by my appearance, are grazing, enjoying the shade, noisy birds busy themselves in the canopy and the air hums with the clicks, chirps and buzzes of a myriad of insects making best use of their time. I feel lucky to know such places, lucky to be able to enjoy time in them; time immersed in nature.
No comments:
Post a Comment