It never ceases to amaze me how quickly nature takes over when man abandons his structures. Like walking through a woodland path the undergrowth makes seeing the stairs increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, inside (I use the term loosely, there’s been no roof for several years), this little plant had managed to take root on the reinforced concrete staircase of Gwrych Castle. I was talking to someone as we photographed the impressive 62 steps when I noticed a shaft of light breaking through the shadows and illuminating this little plant. Eventually, when redevelopment begins, it will be uprooted and castaway, and the magnificent staircase restored to it’s former glory, but for now, this hardy little specimen is a reminder that nature will always overcome.