I must have met it before 2017 but cannot find an earlier photograph of the Sotterley Hornbeam, so here’s a photograph record of almost 10 years. Mostly taken during the summer, July, August, September, only one taken naked in January. Different sides, and revealing my attraction to the sinewy trunk and branches.
2017, with Kali, clearly much more leaf, sinews and movement already intriguing, both sides photographed, and an observation of a number.
2022 with a young Brow. Die back evident in the extreme ends of branches.
2024 – annoyingly only closeups, intrigued with the bulging (arthritic joints)
2025 January – with Tom the new manager of Sotterley.
May 2025 a telling full portrait of hornbeam and oak, both with die back. I wonder if that foreground dead branch has fallen? I recalled the oak looking healthier this year. The year I drew it at Folk East.
July 2026 – with Peter (and no dogs) the die back does not look as dramatic as 2025 – regret not taking a photo from the same position each year. I will return!
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