This beech avenue is part of a grand estate, rather than a humble farm track like the one at Bindon. After an exploratory visit to find a good viewpoint, this photo was snatched in a few minutes just as the winter sun was setting, balancing my tripod on a steep bank at the edge of the road. Passing traffic cut down the time available even more!
I liked the contrast between the late golden light and the cool tone of the road, and of the natural and man-made.
You can read more about the beech avenue on the National Trust web site.
In my corner of East Devon, there is a tradition of planting single or double rows of beech trees alongside some country lanes. Bindon, a couple of miles west of Uplyme, has a fine row which can be seen from the distance. I've photographed them several times, and this is my favourite image. It was taken late one summer evening, when the sunset brought a warm glow and long shadows to the stubble.
