There are two complementary ways of enjoying the colours of autumn. One is from the outside, the other’s from the inside. One is of studious observation, the other is of intimate experience. One paints a broad perspective, the other underlines the minute details. One is primarily visual, the other’s a delightful mix of all the senses. If in one we find a harmonious blend of colours seen on the slopes of a hillside, in the other we become part of it feeling the kiss of fresh air that rustles the leaves of changing hues. If one is a picture of a thousand words, the other’s a motion picture of a million sentences. In one we find the reflective nature of creation in all brilliance while in the other we sense the serene translucence of the same when the late afternoon sun filters through the canopy. One is choreographed to a silent music while the other dances on a bed of fallen leaves to a music that plays within the heart.
At Winkworth Arboretum I have enjoyed all of the above. Since I had the whole day unplanned, I could afford to walk the numerous terraced paths more than once. Not one perspective did I miss. The view of the hillside from the meadow across the lake is surely the best. The yellows and reds are noticeable highlights to which the eye always returns. But too much of these will distract rather than attract. This is where the many shades of green provide a harmonious backdrop in balancing the picture. This picture is what makes this arboretum a little bit better than Westonbirt Arboretum. The latter does not have such slopes of juxtaposed autumn colours that mix and fill the visitor’s view.
Here nature aided by man leads to greater appreciation of her inherent beauty. A look at the surrounding landscapes is enough to point that the trees in the arboretum that give it such colours are not native to England. Nature stands on her own but could be enhanced in her display. The classical temples or monuments of Stourhead could enhance some of the views but even without them there are surprises at every turn. The variety and dynamism of nature is at the heart of this magic.
Within this arboretum is an area of wetland that has a boarded walkway. The walkway looks to be made of wood but the texture gives it away. It is made from recycled plastic and blends really well with the natural landscape. An advanced society in which the level of consumer waste is high, responsibility must grow in reducing the impact on nature. The culture of recycling and waste reduction is growing. At every level this is taken seriously although only some practice it consciously. The good thing is that the systems are in place, being reviewed and refined where and when so required. At the end of the day, attitudes of the individual should change to reap long term benefits. But in a free market economy where everything is driven by profits, business viability and sustenance, can or will anyone genuinely care about the environment? Perhaps, we need more “green” laws in place.
As far as my research could make out there are no public buses to Winkworth on a Sunday. Thus a walk from Godalming became part of the day’s excursion. Godalming is a town larger than I had expected. I do not know the history of this town but the presence of The River Wey and Godalming Navigation System must have surely played a significant part in its growth.
The walk from Godalming to Winkworth on a Sunday morning is a treat indeed. It is a union with nature in isolation. The paths are wooded, strewn with leaves, nuts and fruits that signify the characteristic richness of the season. Where the public bridleways cross narrow roads, the quiet isolation is preserved because there is almost no traffic. In this isolation, when one does meet another walker, a greeting is always made. No matter how much one loves nature and desires her cherished company, the company of men and women will always be necessary. A person who cannot live in society can never live as a recluse. A person who can live in recluse can live in society. Such a person can only be an enlightened being.
