Burnham Beeches 19 July 2015

I have started off exploring my most immediate area so Burnham Beeches was first on the list.  The reserve is about 220 hectares of woodland, heath, wood pasture and wetland. It was said that this was the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh's forest. It's very beautiful. Lots of movies have been shot here too - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - to mention a few.

In this part of England though these are nature areas, they aren't wild areas. Everything is very regulated - lots of amenities - paved roads, pay parking areas, ablution blocks, fences, tea rooms, rules and regulations. Nothing wrong with that, just a bit tame. And lots of people everywhere. That takes a bit of getting used to.

Throughout a portion of the woods are a lot of wooden sculptures. Very appropriate in the setting. There aren't any signs that I saw which explain them or name the artist, but they add interest and are viewer friendly - inviting a stroke or two.

 

Apparently there have been signs of human settlements around here since the Iron Age. The beeches are particularly famous for the ancient pollards which involve regularly cutting the branches of a tree above head height and allowing new branches to grow. Some of the trees are hundreds of years old and the practice is continuing. Grazing has also be reintroduced here so you are quite likely to bump into cows or ponies.

 I came across this very large shelter - it was a sunny day when I was there but I imagine that this would be necessary in rainy weather.

 

 



 

A little bit off the beaten track were some interesting trees.

 

 

Alongside one of the paths was a plaque commemorating Felix Mendelssohn.

 



And then it was time for tea. I had walked the southern portion of the beeches and needed some refreshments. Actually no excuses, I was looking for scones but they could only offer toasted tea cake and a good mug of tea.