Enchanted Forest

I did some research on the deer of Epping Forest this morning prompted by a question from loisbiz. I had heard of the deer sanctuary but didn't know that it is home to a special melanistic (dark) strain of fallow deer only. Unfortunately it is not open to the public. I decided to go and lurk, hoping to grab some shots. I met a man walking in the forest who directed me to the tennis courts at the end of Sidney Street. How strange.

I felt a bit conspicuous walking along this manicured no through road in my wellies and scruffs. A couple were at the end playing tennis in the beautiful sunshine. They pointed me along a path behind the courts to a very high, double chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. I stood watching the deer in the distance, listening to the summer-sounding puck, puck of the ball and the hammering of a woodpecker. I got pics but they are poor. :(

I enjoyed my walk in the forest though. I saw only a few people and their dogs. I loved being all alone in the dappled light in Nature's cathedral, the majestic trees towering above me.