Swithland Woods

Woodland for approximately 500 years, classified ancient semi-natural was once farm land  and has naturally reforested the area.

This is where i spent holidays and weekends  back  in the 60's and early 70's. Looks like its been rebuilt at some point but the footprint looks to be about the same.

Woodland solitude, great for weekends but even better during the week when its quieter.  Envious!

Bradgate Park, Leicestershire

"Old John". In the distance, alledgedly named after John O'Gaunt The Kingmaker was built in 1784 as a viewing tower for the racecourse which ran around the hill

Five and a half miles from the city centre, 150 acres of outstanding ancient parkland. Held in trust for the people of Leicestershire since 1928 has been a deer park since the 1300s.

Old John, daybreak.

Not The Doctors, but still in use by Leicestershire Constabulary for first aid and lost children. Can't find the age but probably sometime after 1928 when the park opened to the public and the introduction of police phone boxes. One of 11 not in private ownership and probably the only one still in official use. Stands at the main gate.

 Fallow Deer, can't remember getting this close in the past. Bit worrying, good to see close enough to hear them crunching bracken but!.