the meaning of "stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted"
What's the meaning of "stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted?"

Winston picked his way up the lane through dappled light and shade, stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted. Under the trees to the left of him the ground was misty with bluebells. The air seemed to kiss one’s skin. It was the second of May. From somewhere deeper in the heart of the wood came the droning of ring doves.

1984, http://www.ministryoflies.com/1984.pdf, first paragraph on p. 594correction: on page 68

Question

the meaning of "stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted"
What's the meaning of "stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted?"

Winston picked his way up the lane through dappled light and shade, stepping out into pools of gold wherever the boughs parted. Under the trees to the left of him the ground was misty with bluebells. The air seemed to kiss one’s skin. It was the second of May. From somewhere deeper in the heart of the wood came the droning of ring doves.

1984, http://www.ministryoflies.com/1984.pdf, first paragraph on p. 594correction: on page 68

Answer

This is a very beautiful image describing how Winston stepped into the light while he walked in the woods.

The "pools of gold" is where the sunlight hit the ground.  Saying that "the boughs(branches) parted" gives a feeling of action and motion to the image, even though in truth the trees didn't move.