Taken back by nature

I walked between sunshine and showers amongst the heavy skies and wartime history.

It's astonishing to think that Stoney Cross used to be an airfield; the way nature reclaims its space is truly a wonder of life. This once busy, industrial, and significant aerodrome has transformed into a beautiful and quiet area where ponies and deer graze among the herbs and grasses of the former runway.

Children were full of excitement with their sense of freedom from the nearby campsite, where the smell of cooking bacon filled the air.

As I descended into the ancient woodlands, the atmosphere shifted with the return of the showers. The trees welcomed the opportunity to bathe in Gaia's waters, turning their leaves skyward. The array of green hues was nearly overwhelming amidst the wisdom of these ancient beings.

I can never simply walk by an ancient tree, so I decided to explore the woods. Off the beaten path, the hidden treasures awaited, in the form of fungi and fruits. With every gill and bloom perfectly in place, I savoured the sensory experience and left the natural bounty undisturbed.

My reward was the sun coming out once more as I stepped out onto the heath. A cuckoo called in the distance, and Dartford warblers chatted amongst the gorse. Stonechats clattered along my walk, and butterflies fed on the bramble. The woodland edge was decorated with pollen-rich plants where bees were busy and the grassland was peppered with flowers and herbs.

Nature, in her full abundance, provides everything for the wildlife and grazing stock, and it was my joy to witness it on my walk that had once again returned to the wilds.