Wanstead Park has several artificial lakes and ponds from the days when it was the gardens of a large and imposing Palladian house. The house if long gone, demolished to pay off the creditors amassed by the errant husband of the final owner in 1822.

As we walked around the Ornamental Water with its twists, turns and islands we turned a corner to find a hawthorn standing on its own at the lake edge in full blossom.

Wanstead Park is managed by the City of London as part of Epping Forest. It’s a lovely place to stroll or picnic and you can find out more here:

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan…

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanstead_Park