Nature enthusiasts make the most of Sussex countryside

The recent sunny weather encouraged residents to explore the rural side of Sussex.

Philip Carter visited Cowdray Park in Midhurst to take in the scenery.

The legendary oak tree has stood on the grounds of the Cowdray Estate for 1000 years (Image: Philip Carter)

During his trip he photographed a 1,000-year-old oak tree named the Queen Elizabeth I Oak.

It is rumoured that the Queen visited the park in 1591 and stood near the tree while preparing to shoot a stag with a bow and arrow, although she was unsuccessful.

READ MORE: Staff strike at five Sussex academies and form picket lines

Philip also captured the little temple behind a lake full of wildfowl.

A canopy behind a pond filled with birds (Image: Philip Carter)

Two other camera club members were out for a stroll near Devil’s Dyke this week and captured the breath-taking views on offer.

Lee Prince caught the phenomenon of noctilucent clouds over the South Downs, categorised by the Met Office as “extremely rare” and only visible on clear, summer nights.

They are collections of ice crystals at a height of around 200,000 feet. Because they are so high, they still reflect sunlight after the sun has set below the horizon.

Noctilucent clouds were spotted over Devil's Dyke (Image: Lee Prince)

Meanwhile, Simon Conn took a snap of the panoramic views over Brighton visible from the railway line near Devil’s Dyke, with a miniature i360 in shot.

Claire Andrews roamed the side of Mill Hill, accompanied by her four-legged companions, and enjoyed the views of the rolling fields that stretch across the Shoreham nature reserve.