Rocky Steps at Black Brook Nature Reserve

Since the devastating fire of the roaches last summer, the upper branches of these magnificent pines were badly scorched.

But yesterday I was heartened to see nature is doing what it does best, recovering despite major setbacks.

The lower branches were full of baby pine needles and cone flowers.

Even in normal circumstances, the new growth of pine is breathtakingly beautiful but when seen in a pine graveyard, it is just beauty on an entirely different level.

The upper branches of the pines still show signs of last year's blaze.
Hopefully this summer, it will have restored significantly.

It is worth a detour to experience the atmosphere in the reserve.
A very restful place to sit and contemplate.