The Elusive Ent of Connaught Park, Dover, Kent, UK

John Latter, on November 3, said:

For all fans of the Ents in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", here's the first photographic evidence of the long-held belief that one of Treebeard's relatives does indeed spend his days lurking among the trees of Connaught Park!

For anyone not familiar with the species, the Ent is just breaking cover near the top centre of the photo:

Quite frankly, I was astonished to get this photo opportunity because my two companions normally send all forms of natural life scurrying away at the first glimpse of their white coats.

The photo was taken on the Lower Middle Lawn between the North Gate (Main Entrance) Lawn and the Pond Lawn.

Recent photos of Connaught Park include:

The Victorian Fountain, Connaught Park Pond, Dover, Kent, UK

The Ornamental Lake of Connaught Park

The Bird Bath and Park Keeper`s Lodge of Connaught Park

The South Gate Lawn of Connaught Park, Dover, Kent, UK

Click to see all photos of Connaught Park.

Abridged from Connaught Park:

The key to the park was officially handed over on 1 May 1883 and it was open to the public from that day on. Formally opened by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught on 14 July 1884. [nb it says 1883 on the commemorative tree's plaque]

Dover Distrct Council (DDC) have a webpage listing local "Parks and Open Spaces". The entry for Connaught Park reads:

This park is the first park established in Dover dating back to Victorian times.

Set on the hillside below Dover Castle it provides facilities for both recreational and sporting activities.

The open grass slopes provide a pleasant environment for a stroll offering excellent views across the town.

The lower part of the park is set out in a more traditional style with an ornamental lake (above photo) and lawns leading to an aviary.

Within the park there are both grass and hard tennis courts and a play area for children.

The DDC webpage also has entries for Kearsney Abbey and Pencester Gardens.

John Latter / Jorolat

Dover Blog: The Psychology of a Small Town

This is the Images of Dover website: click on any blue "John Latter" link to access the Entry Page.