Golden Sunbeams in Abbeyford Woods
By Miles ·
Golden shafts of autumn sunlight stream through the trees of Abbeyford Woods near Okehampton, illuminating a winding woodland road beneath a canopy of copper an
Autumn brings a wonderful transformation to Abbeyford Woods, near Okehampton, as the woodland takes on the rich colours of the changing season.
On this particular November morning, golden shafts of sunlight streamed through the trees, cutting through the lingering woodland haze and illuminating the winding road below. The sunbeams, known as crepuscular rays, created a beautiful contrast between the brightly lit autumn foliage and the deeper shadows beneath the canopy.
The surrounding trees were dressed in shades of copper, amber and gold, while fallen leaves and fading bracken added their own warm tones to the woodland floor. The gently curving road draws the eye towards the sunlight, disappearing around the bend into the trees beyond.
Photographed in November 2010, this was one of those fleeting moments when the light transformed an otherwise familiar woodland scene into something rather special.
It's moments like these that make autumn one of my favourite times to explore the countryside. Sometimes all it takes is a little sunlight finding its way through the trees to make you stop and appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons.