The cluck of a startled pheasant and a crack of wings on take-off are liable to break this tranquillity. In comparison to the summer's hubbub and its punctuating shouts of excited children running around the meadow, Uppark in winter is a peaceful place.
The retained architecture of plants left standing long after they've died back, and the suspended weight of the rain drops hanging from their delicate, blackened forms is as beautiful as the summer blooms.
Uppark still hums with a muted vibrancy. The sedum seeds heads have turned deep maroon, the silver-leaved lime hangs onto a few pale green and yellow summer remnants, and the beech leaves, whether on the ground or still on the trees, continue to provide a beautiful splash of red and orange.
Out beyond the south lawn, the leafless copper beech still revels in its commanding isolation. No matter what the time of year, in full leaf or in stark mid-winter, this beautiful tree never fails to inspire. Similarly, although the riotous growth of spring and early summer has long deserted the south meadow, the view remains as stunning as ever.
