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TIME AMONGST THE TREES this autumn with the National Trust in Kent and East Sussex
TREES ARE THE ANCHOR OF THE NATURAL WORLD . SOLID AND DEPENDABLE , YET NEVER THE SAME , THEY REPRESENT THE STOIC SUPPORT SO MANY HAVE FOUND IN NATURE THROUGH THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES .
© National Trust Images / John Miller
SCOTNEY IN AUTUMN
© National Trust Images / Jo Hatcher
In autumn , the changing colours of trees across Kent and East Sussex send the seasonal barometer to boiling point .
Follow Scotney Castle ’ s red marked estate walk into Kilndown woodland , to see beech canopies aflame with colour above as you crunch through carpets of leaves below .
The gentle aroma of autumn trees filters through the National Trust gardens too , tickling the senses . Breathe in the intoxicating sweet candyfloss scent of Katsura toffee trees at Emmetts Garden and Ightham Mote , against a backdrop of red , pink and orange .
And in the orchards , apple , plum and pear trees hang low with fruit , evoking the fresh tastes of family tables gone by at places like Bateman ’ s and Chartwell .
With so much to take in , local National Trust rangers and gardeners have picked their top trees to look out for this year :
Scotney Castle , Lamberhurst
Towering trees reflected in the old castle moat frame Scotney ’ s magnificent medieval ruin from above and below .
Keep an eye to your left as you head downhill , for gaps in the golden tree canopies opening up views of the bridge . Head back up via the ice house , past the large beech believed to be a ‘ bundle tree ’ – so called where several young trees were planted closely together to form larger stately trees more quickly .
“ The beech avenue at Kilndown is breathtaking and can be visited by following our red marked estate walking route . My pick of the crop though has to be Liquidambar styraciflua tree , down by the boathouse in the garden , which makes a stunning photo opportunity .” Natan Cointet , head gardener
A detour into Scotney ’ s gardens at the end of the parkland trail will take you past yellow tulip trees , and the Oriental bittersweet Celastrus Orbiculatus over the doorway onto the bowling green lawn at the old castle . The 100-year-old purple cut-leaved Japanese Maples , below the Bastion , are an autumn staple that people return for year after year .
Garden opens daily , 10am to 5pm . Normal admission applies .
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