Ashley Rose Photography - Chasing the Wild Life

Exhibition trailer played at the entrance of the exhibition to provide background

Aerial video showing the expanse and complexity of the Coul Links site

Aerial video synchronously showing four different seasons and how Coul Links adapts and reacts to the forces of nature

Taken with a drone from 400 feet in April 2018 clearly shows the extensive presence of winter ephemeral dune slacks.

Drone photo taken 11 Jun 2018 showing the dramatic change in landscape in two months time from the prievious photo. The emphemeral dune slacks are all but gone and the vegetation has turned quite green.

The proposed site of the 10th tee looking to the NE. Golf has been played on neighbouring lnks for over 400 years. It is not unlikely that golf was also once played on the Coul Links at sometime in its history.

Looking North across one of the winter ephemeral dune slacks located just north of the old railway shed in mid-April 2018

The same view as the previous photograph just north of the old railway shed but in July 2018 with the water from the winter dune slack now largely gone and the vegetation thick and lush.

The abandoned Dornoch Light Railway bed serves as lovely walking trail through Coul Links and is an important part of the history, the present and the future of the site.

This dune slack in the northern section of Coul Links jus to the north of the old railway bed was photographed in early May.

A view of the proposed 2nd teeing ground at Coul Links.

One of the nesting pair that call Coul Links home.

This buzzard is actively hunting, hovering on the wind as it searches for small mammals among the grasses below.

The buzzard arrives, prey in talon to a favourite roost to eat, scattering the starlings that had been resting on the power lines.

The buzzard has captured a small mouse or vole and is preparing to eat.

There is a stand of trees at the extreme NW corner of Coul Links photographed in early May is covered in lichen and backed gorse in full bloom.

Summer residents of the Loch Fleet tidal estuary along the northern edge of Coul Links, Shelducks are a colourful addition to the rich biodiversity of the site.

Among the larger mammalian inhabitants of Coul Links, Roe Deer can be spotted regularly.

Goldfinches taking to wing at Coul Links in June 2018

Among the residents of Coul Links currently responsible for maintaining the land, they will continue to be part of the future of Coul Links.

The abandoned shed sits along the old railway bed and the remnants of the winter dune slacks are just visible behind the foredune complex that separates Coul Links from the sea in April 2018.

A wee laddie climbing the footpath to the top of the Great Dune; a distinctive dune which is the tallest of all the foredune structure.

An aerial photo looking SE from Coul Farm with the abandoned railway maintenance shed in the foreground and the Great Dune in the upper right taken in late June 2018.

Taken on 8 May 2018 the photo shows remnants of this winters extensive dune slacks as it looks at the proposed 3rd Hole.

This view from the drone at 400 feet taken in early August 2018 shows the NW section of Coul Links, Littleferry and Loch Fleet.

The view fro the proposed 3rd tee, a dramatic par 3 overlooking Loch Fleet to the northwest.

My brief was to pick a place, walk 5 minutes in any direction, stop take a photo and then carry on walking until I had 12 diverse photographs that created a narrative. Here is my story, 5 Minutes to Somewhere;  A Photographic Walk Around Historic Aiken, SC.

The center of downtown Aiken seemed a good place to start. The Aiken County Judicial Center, or in Southern parlance, the Court House is a common fixture at the heart of many county seat towns in the South.

5 minutes to the South and I find the landmark Willcox Hotel. A storied place for travelers, it is a popular spot for the many equestrians in the area who can be seen roaming the lobby piano bar in their breeches and riding boots.

5 minutes further South and not far the famous Hopeland Gardens, I found this wee patch of flowers struggling against the last grasps of winter on this frosty March morning.

Still heading South, I could not resist a turn to the West onto Easy St. to see if I could meet some of the local residents.

This part of Aiken is known as the horse district, and nearly every house has a stable and horses. I suspect there may even be more horses than people in this part of town.

With a turn back to the North along Third Avenue, I encountered a bit of advise that is nearly always valid in Aiken.

5 minutes further along after another turn to the East is found the Aiken County Historical Society Museum, a 14,500 square foot former grand house called Banksia.

A turn to the North and across the railroad tracks that once brought the wealthy elite and their horses to the Aiken Winter Colony as it was known, I am back in the business and shopping heart of historic Aiken. Horses are very much a part of the past and present of Aiken. Sculptures such as this can be found all around town.

A further 5 minutes to the North the brew master is attending to the mash tun in the Aiken Brewing Company. Bit early in the morning for a pint, but maybe later for lunch.

While time may stand still in parts of historic downtown Aiken, the cars don't.

A few blocks to the East and a turn South brings me face to face with Mr. William Aiken, the railroad man for whom the town and county were named.

A very brisk paced 5 minutes further East on South Boundary Street brings me to the bower of majestic old oak trees, one of the most iconic settings in historic downtown Aiken.

A final turn to the South, brings me to the last stop of the day, the Aiken Training Track. One of the principal centers for thoroughbred training in the country, it is home of the Aiken Trials, a major event for 2 year old racing hopefuls, and the Annual Aiken Steeplechase. More than a few Kentucky Derby winners began their careers here. This is a fitting place to end my story for today; a place in a historic town, where history has been made and will be made again in the future.

The real lesson of the day though, whether in Aiken, SC or anywhere else, you are always 5 minutes from somewhere.

Photos and story by Ashley Rose. All rights reserved.