点评:A number of friends and I enjoyed a 'Photography Tour' of the Hepple Wilds Estate yesterday. Organised by Chris Woodcock of 'White Oak Photography', the tour was led by her and Hepple Wilds ecologist/guide Richard Thompson. What an incredible day! First, we were blessed with beautiful, warm weather - blue skies and wispy clouds are just perfect for atmospheric nature photos! But every other aspect of the day was amazing, too. From the very start, there was a warm welcome and an informal, friendly atmosphere. We were given plenty of information about the estate and its owners' aims. We learned that a managed wilding programme 'amplifies biodiversity' (their words!) but for the lay-person like myself, it was simply about beautiful views, fabulous flora and fauna and incredible fungi. We had the opportunity to walk and talk, as well as photograph and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the estate, from the lowlands to the upper fells. Sadly, though, the ponies must have heard us coming, as there were none to be seen. Back at base, lunch was relaxed, informal and convivial (the excellent gin & tonic was a bonus!). In the afternoon, we toured the distillery and Richard shared more of his fungi know-how. I swear, I have never seen so many varieties in one small spot. What can I say? A brilliant day, excellent value for money, educational and inspiring. When can we come again?
翻译:昨天,我和几位朋友参加了赫普尔荒野庄园的“摄影之旅”。这次旅行由“白橡木摄影”的克里斯·伍德科克组织,她和赫普尔荒野生态学家兼导游理查德·汤普森担任向导。真是精彩的一天!首先,我们幸运地迎来了温暖宜人的天气——湛蓝的天空和飘渺的云彩,非常适合拍摄充满自然气息的照片!但这一天的其他方面也同样精彩绝伦。从一开始,我们就受到了热情的欢迎,氛围轻松友好。我们获得了大量关于庄园及其主人目标的信息。我们了解到,管理野生化项目可以“扩大生物多样性”(他们的话!),但对于像我这样的外行人来说,这仅仅是美丽的景色、奇妙的动植物和令人惊叹的菌类。我们有机会边走边聊,拍摄并欣赏庄园从低地到高山的所有景象和声音。可惜的是,小马一定听到了我们的到来,因为没有看到任何马。回到基地后,午餐轻松随意,气氛融洽(还有一杯美味的金汤力,真是锦上添花!)。下午,我们参观了酿酒厂,Richard 也分享了他的更多菌类知识。我发誓,我从未在这么小的地方见过这么多菌类品种。怎么说呢?精彩的一天,物超所值,既有教育意义,又能激发灵感。我们什么时候再来?