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LOCKO PARK
(Near Derby) IN AUTUMN
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Great Oaks From
Little Acorns Grow |
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October 2001 and autumn was
at last beginning to show its true colours. The weekend had seen
early morning mists and was typical of what we Ilkestonians call
"Fair Weather". That was also appropriate as lorries
and caravans of the Showman's Guild were rolling into town to
prepare for the 749th Annual Charter Fair. During the weekend
I found time to visit somewhere that is as enjoyable (perhaps
even more so) and owes nothing at all to thrill rides, roundabouts
or slot machines.
Locko Park is situated on the
outskirts of Derby at the southern end of the Pennines. The countryside
is undulating rather than hilly, pleasant rather than spectacular
and access can only be gained on foot. A convenient lay-by on
a country lane provided an ideal spot to reach the park. |
The Entrance to Locko Park
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Enjoy with me the beauty of
Locko Park in Autumn. |
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An undulating landscape
dotted with trees (below left) beginning to take on the shades
of the season hid some of the delights to come. In the summer
the park is a hive of activity as it is a popular "Pick
Your Own" fruit growing area. Once caught in a thunderstorm
here (below right) whilst picking gooseberries I finished up
with pockets full of water despite wearing a waterproof jacket
at the time. |
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There is a large lake in the
park which attracts many water birds.
The park and its lake were laid out in 1792 by William Ermes.
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The view across the lake was
doubly delightful (below left) as the mist shrouded trees were
reflected but the arrival of a flock of Canada Geese disturbed
the calm waters (right). |
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Across the lake there are tantalising glimpses
of Locko Hall in the distance but this is about as close as you
can get as the Hall is not open to the public. It was built in
the 1720s by Francis Smith of Warwick and has been the ancestral
home of the Drury-Lowe family since 1747. A chapel on the site
was built in 1669 and prior to that in medieval times a leper
hospital occupied the site. |
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At the far end of the lake the
road forks. The way to the left is a private drive to the Hall
and the right hand road (below left) heads in the direction of
Lodge Farm. But it was soon time to stop and retrace our steps
back to the car with more evidence of the changing season on
the way. |
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Evidence too of the farm life
returning to normal and the end of the Foot and Mouth outbreak
as these cattle made their way homewards. "How now, brown
cow?"
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Passing the lake once more,
the wildfowl had moved and I was able to capture this image of
one of the prettiest and most colourful trees reflected in the
still waters.
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And finally a splash of Autumn
colour.  |
You can learn more about Locko
Park at  |