Heathbound

There's nothing quite like experiencing Ambersham Common when the heather is in full bloom. I'd set my alarm ridiculously early for this late August morning, wanting to catch the sunrise as it lit up the purple carpet of flowering heather. Arriving in the pre-dawn darkness, I could already tell it was going to be special—the sky was showing promising colours even before the sun broke the horizon.

As dawn arrived, the transformation was stunning. The sun cast this warm golden light across the landscape, and suddenly the entire heathland was glowing. The sky mixed soft blues with pastel yellows, and the heather—oh, the heather—it stretched out as far as I could see, creating this sea of vibrant purple. The footpath winding through it all caught my eye immediately. It wasn't just a compositional element; it was an invitation, drawing you into this peaceful purple world.

Ambersham Common is one of those West Sussex gems that many people don't know about. The heather blooms for such a short window each year—usually late July through September—and you have to time it just right. This morning, everything aligned perfectly: the bloom at its peak, the golden hour light, the clear sky, and that beautiful winding path leading deeper into the heathland.

When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel that invitation to explore—to follow the footpath through the blooming heather on Ambersham Common, experiencing the vibrant colours and tranquil beauty of the South Downs at sunrise.