Seven Sisters, Houghton Le Spring

On October 28th, cutting it fine, we ventured out to take our monthly couples portrait. 

Since 2021, our October portraits have (usually) been somewhere cool and wearing our Disney Halloween Spirit Jerseys of that year. While looking for somewhere to take this year's photo I came across the Seven Sisters at Houghton Le Spring only 20 minutes away and knew it was the perfect location.

If you're interested in more of the history of the land you can read short descriptions here > ancientmonuments.uk and here > twsitelines.info.

In short, there are currently 6 trees, however, it is thought there were once seven hence the name 'Seven Sisters'. The trees sit atop Copt Hill which is an ancient burial ground dating from the Mesolithic period at a minimum 6,000 years, up to 10,000 years ago.
The Hill sits among some arable land and is very close to housing estates, only a very short walk from where you can park. 

As you'll see from the photos, this place is teaming with life. What you can't see is the other wildlife we were lucky to witness with our eyes but not caught through my lens - a stunning Hare and a beautiful male Pheasant. We found Ladybirds on every tree but one too which I found magical! I only recently heard something about Ladybirds in British Folklore and their lucky ways but it's been cool to read into more. 
Considering this was a burial ground the atmosphere was lovely. I adored it here and could have stayed to sit and read had the sky not shed its heaviness. The black clouds that crept across the cartoon blue sky did make for wonderful pictures though! Hopefully, we'll get to visit again sometime and it will be just as nice.