Mists and Mellow Novemberness
A solitary oak rises on the right, its crown dissolving into the mist as birds circle in slow, deliberate arcs. A small hill lifts the opposite side of the frame, giving the scene a gentle tilt—quiet, patient, almost suspended.
Winkworth Arboretum is usually a place of colour—layered canopies, hillside views, reflections that shift with the seasons—but today it offered something quieter. The morning mist settled low across the woods and lake, softening edges and slowing everything down. With the Leica and a 35mm Summicron, I took a gentle loop through the hills, letting the atmosphere reveal itself one small moment at a time.
There’s something about shooting in mist that encourages patience. It draws your attention to shapes rather than spectacle, to tones rather than colours. Every step felt like entering another pared-back scene. Nothing that demanded attention, nothing dramatic—just the kind of soft, transitional light that rewards lingering.
These photographs aren’t intended as a guide to Winkworth, nor a record of anything grand. They’re simply the fragments that presented themselves: a tree, a lake, the boat-house, a few leaves saved for a still-life. All modest in their own ways, but beautiful precisely because of that.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is walk slowly, look carefully, and accept whatever the day is willing to offer.
Winkworth Arboretum is one of Surrey’s most rewarding spots for woodland walks, especially on misty mornings when the light is soft and the colours naturally desaturate. If you’re interested in nature photography, quiet landscapes, or minimalist woodland scenes, the arboretum’s mix of lakes, hills, and ancient trees offers plenty of inspiration.
For photographers, the mist can transform familiar paths into subtle, atmospheric compositions. A 35mm lens—in my case the Leica Summicron—works beautifully here, giving just enough width to hold the environment while still keeping the images intimate. The lake, the boathouse, and the oak-lined trails are particularly good spots for capturing:
soft, low-contrast woodland images
reflections and diffused lake light
seasonal still lifes and natural textures
wildlife moments, like geese gathering or birds circling through fog
Whether you’re shooting on a phone or a Leica, Winkworth rewards slowing down, noticing the details, and embracing whatever the weather brings. If you enjoy quiet, contemplative photography, this is a place that asks very little but gives quite a lot.