MAGICAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

During the lockdown

I often liked to recall some truly magical moments spent in the countryside. One of these was when, as a family, we were exploring the Norfolk Broads and the surrounding area by boat.

One evening we decided to moor up for the night at a lonely spot on one of the broads, just as the sun was setting. All was quiet with just a gentle lapping of water against the side of our boat. Next to us were empty fields bathed in different colours from the sunset.

Suddenly, in the distance, came the tolling sound of an ancient church bell. Right on cue, from a corner of the nearest field, came the ghostly shape of a beautiful white barn owl swooping low and sweeping over the fields as it hunted through the night, its feathers glistening in the multicoloured light. This truly magical combination of sight and sound

I will never forget. It was a wonderful spine-shivering moment. For this, and many other incredible moments, I am truly grateful for our countryside. We are all very lucky to be able to be here to enjoy it.

Paul Nott, Lymm, Cheshire

Editor Fergus Collins replies:

How wonderful – thank you for sharing the experience so beautifully. I had something similar that I recorded on one of our podcasts, though, if you listen to it, I did not keep my composure at all! You can listen here: countryfile.com/podcast/ martindown/