A Stanton Moor tree
I have commented before on this tree, a fixture of Stanton Moor in the Derbyshire Peak District. To me its shape is fascinating, the way it is bent over yet how it still manages to flourish. Whilst there are lots of trees on the moor, this one stands on its own some way from the silver birch wood or indeed any other wooden companions. Whilst there are one or two stumps nearby, this tree has been on its own for a while.
What stories could it tell, if only it could talk to us? How long has it been there? How long has it been on its own? It is just off a main path that runs from the Nine Ladies Stone Circle towards Birchover so many people will have walked past. Some may also be transfixed by this tree; some will only give it a second glance if prompted.
I am not pretending for one moment that my photographs can answer any of these questions, but I like to think that they show how different the tree can look at different times. I have visited this tree a good number of times already and the images below are those I think give a different feel to the scene. I feel a bond with this this tree and will continue to visit.
(2007-4514) 19th April 2007
Canon 5D, 24-105mm f4 L IS lens (32mm)
(2007-1000540) 19th May 2007
Leica M8, 28mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens
(2008-0582) 2nd February 2008
Canon 1Ds Mk3, 24-105mm f4 L IS lens (55mm)
Whilst the artisitic merit of these photographs is for others to judge, they do provide an excellent example of how different things can look if visited again and again. Different light, different seasons and different weather all play to change the look and feel of any aspect of the landscape. Different techniques can also play a part - the monochrome version has a very different feel to the others, for example.
Update: 10th May 2008
I paid a visit once again to the tree and pleased to see it is putting on growth and is now covered in leaves. These are not as dense as the view above taken a week or so later last year, but then leaves have only this last week really started to open out in this part of the UK. Other trees have not fared so well recently on Stanton Moor; there have been a number of fires in the heather which have damaged many trees (and the heather!) We'll visit again soon.
(2008-2925) 10th May 2008
To be continued...