Part of the Ilkeston Cam "Days Out" Series

LOCKO PARK (Near Derby) IN AUTUMN

Great Oaks From Little Acorns Grow

Autumn Fruits

Locko Entrance
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

Enjoy with me the beauty of Locko Park in Autumn.

  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 used to be popular when it was possible to "Pick Your Own" fruit but this activity ceased around the Millennium. Prior to that I was once caught in a thunderstorm (below right) whilst picking gooseberries and finished up with my waterproof jacket pockets full of rainwater. Please note though that if you intend to visit the park, that it is no longer possible to pick fruit.

Undulating Landscape

Fruit Growing Area
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.

Locko Lake

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).
Double vision
Geese landing
 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.
 
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.
Private drive
Changing leaves
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?"

Cattle
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.

Tree reflection 
And finally a splash of Autumn colour.

Autumn colours
You can learn more about Locko Park at

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