MESMERISING photographs of Woodchester Park and Mansion enthralled guests at Hilltop Gardening Club’s October meeting.

Attendees enjoyed seeing the photographs, accompanied by discussion about the history of the park, by the key speaker, and group’s club president, Robert Bryant.

Robert who has achieved recognition for his photography by London’s Royal Horticultural Society, took the opportunity to share some of his recent photographs.

His talk at Eastcombe Village Hall in Bisley began with some photos and history of Woodchester Mansion - which stands in the park.

Club member Ruth Fraser learned a lot from the talk and explains that the mansion was left unfinished by the owner William Leigh who died in 1873, his son’s financial difficulties meant that it remained unfinished.

She said: “It is Victorian gothic building in the style of Augustus Pugin, who presented the first plan for the house but then resigned the commission.

“The house is maintained by a trust on lease from Stroud District Council and is well worth a visit.”

Robert then talked about Woodchester Park, which has been maintained by The National Trust since the 1980s and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The parkland runs along the Woodchester valley which connects seven lakes.

“Robert used exceptional photography to take his audience on a journey of the park through the seasons from spring to winter.

Ruth described some of the landscapes his photographs depicted including the Stonehouse herd of Belted Galloway cattle and flocks of Jacob’s sheep.

“The photographs ranged from the wild garlic and bluebells in spring - through to a wide variety of wild flowers up to august - and finally winter time under deep frosts.”

“Most were good close ups with of a range of bugs and other insects.”

She added: “It was a clear reminder of the wonderful landscape and nature that exists within the Stroud Valleys.”

The club’s next meeting, Plants that Heal, with speaker Helen Schofield will take place on Tuesday, November 1.

Guests are welcome to attend their meetings at Eastcombe Village Hall on the first Tuesday every month until July’s meeting in 2017.

For more information contact Ruth Fraser on 01452 770535 or at www.hilltopgardeningclub.org.uk.