Flatland sunset

On a crisp winter's day there's no better place to be than the fens at dusk. Chris and I walked along the bank of the River Glen at Baston Fen, where there are unimpeded views almost all around. It was a truly magical visit: the sun sank behind distant trees as a glowing red ball (see extra) and then the high cloud began to take on shades of apricot and pink, before a final fiery flourish.

The wildlife was also superb. There were large flocks of starlings flying towards a distant roost, kestrels hunting over the field, a sparrowhawk and a single marsh harrier silhouetted against the sunset. But the highlight was watching three barn owls hunting over the fen and Counter Drain, drifting wraith-like through the gloaming.