Favourite forest walks that will haunt and surprise you, the UK and Ireland’s ancient Woodlands are full of forest activities
Shall we go down to the woods today? Come with me on a journey of discovery, where magic really does happen in the UK’s ancient woodlands and forests.
Let’s find out about the history of the UK and Ireland’s forests and how you can get the best out of them and find out more about the fairy folk, spirits and mysteries that dwell in them.
In the woodlands of the UK and Ireland there are great activities to be had, fun things to find out, history to explore and here in this blog we will look at five of the best things of all time to do in a forest near you.
Content
- Forest and Woods, whats the difference?
- If you go down in the woods today.
- Great forests to explore in the UK and Ireland.
- An enchanted place in time.
- Favourite walks that will haunt and surprise you.
- 5 of the best things to do in a forest near you.
Forest and Woods, What’s the Difference?
Forests are known for their thicker canopies, while Woods have a more of an open feel and a sparser tree density, but they are roughly the same thing.
In Ireland and the UK forests have been here for millions of years. Ancient woods, or ‘wildwood’ as it used to be called, developed naturally. Trees started springing up again in the UK and Ireland during the late glacial period (about 10,000 BC).
But in the early prehistoric times forests were wiped out by glaciations during different ice ages, then they began seeding themselves on the landscape of Britain and Ireland once again.
It was a tundra (a cold treeless plain) back then, 10,000 years ago, but wind from the continent blew long and hard and dispersed seed onto the land – Birch, Scots Pine, (Scotland was trickier to take hold of, as it was colder and took more time to seed and germinate) Aspen, Willow, Juniper, followed by Hazel, Elm, Oak, and Alder.
This must have been a magical time, you can just imagine glinting, sparkling light, fresh, clean, clear air, the sound of wind whistling through the landscape ready for a new beginning.
Those prehistoric woodlands have come and gone. Ancient woods, as we call them, are woods/forests classified as such from the 1600’s, so at least 400 years old, and then from 1750 in Scotland. They cover about 2.5% of the land in the UK and about 2% in Ireland.
Ancient woods are and have always been an important part of our biodiversity. They are irreplaceable, and centuries of soil and the accumulation of decaying wood and leaves create a perfect place for fungi and invertebrates which in turn play a part in the environmental management and balance of our planet.
Want to know more? Here
The ‘Wildwood’ or Ancient Woods were home to many animals which are now rare or extinct.
- White-tailed Eagle
- Wolf
- Brown Bear
- Auroch
- Red Kite
- Dormouse
- Osprey
- Turtle Dove
- Water Vole
- Red Squirrel
- Goshawk
- Roe Deer
- Wild Horse
- Beaver
The Coille (Scottish Gaelic for forest) has also seen the same sort of extinction with the Grey Wolf, the Eurasian Lynx and the Elk.
The forests (new, old and ancient) of the UK cover about 13% of the land and in Ireland it’s about 11%, no wonder then it’s called the Emerald Isle! Considering it’s about a quarter of the size of the UK- I know too it has lush green hills and endless fields.
If You Go Down To The Woods Today
Our forests today still hold lots of magic as it did in Celtic times, fairies, spellwork and rituals were and are perfectly placed in a forest. We know just a walk in the woods can magically reduce blood pressure and lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to improve your mood. If you haven’t tried it yet, you may be surprised.
The woods are a place of natural apothecary, herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years and in times when there was no alternative, a life saved by a concoction of green herbs or berries, must have been a comforting if not an astonishing experience.
Want to know more? Wild medicine workshops – HERE
Great Forests to explore in the UK and Ireland
North – Mersey Forest, is one of 12 community forests covering about 400 square miles. There’s a lot going on, why not take a look? Here
County Durham – Hamsterley Forest, with a visitor centre, running trial and lots of activities, not one to miss. Here
Oxfordshire – Wychwood Forest, known as The Royal Hunting Forest of Wychwood, this is a landscape of meadows, fields and health, a great day out HERE
Sussex – Ashdown Forest, originating from the time of the conquest (1066) and providing a glimpse into prehistoric human activity, important Bronze age, Iron age and Romano-British archeological evidence can be seen as well as walking until your heart’s content HERE
Scotland – Galloway Forest, Night-gazing, mountain bike trails, cafes, mountain and loch views, what’s not to like? Covering about 300 square miles, just mind you don’t get lost! HERE
Wales – Wentwood Forest in Newport, one of the oldest forests in Wales prides itself on its tree, fungi, plant, and wildlife. Once part of the hunting ground of Chepstow Castle. A wonderful day out. HERE
Ireland – Avondale Forest in county Wicklow has trails, a treetop walk and viewing tower, in the 20th century Ireland’s first forestry school was founded here. A true experience. HERE
An Enchanted Place in Time
I once found myself in a wood waiting for the sunset, there was a faint mist in the air, sitting on the cool uneven ground waiting for the dog to lollop back; I was immersed in this beautiful gentle light, just the sound of distant bird chatter and the odd falling twig broke the silence of what seemed to be time standing still. I was reminded then of a time long ago when on a forest walk with my school, the teacher had told us about the ‘little men’ who lived in the woods, not this particular wood I was in now but another – there are little people, spirits, fairies, and magic in all forests, you just have to be still and listen.
Fossil remains and the first forms of life are held deep within the memory of the earth.
Even though today a huge amount of our forested area has now gone, we stand on earth in the forest and landscape that appeared millions of years ago. The ecology of the forest, the complex system that involves air, water, biology, earth of the physical landform; the trees, animals, plants, fungi, bacteria – they are the spirit, or living being of the forest.
The land itself and the spirits of the land are its oldest beings and have been here long before humanity.
The memory of the earth is deep, the land in the forest has millions of generations of dead. And the spirits of these dead are still remembered by the land beneath our feet.
It is said dead spirits can watch over their descendants and the species that came from them. They help maintain the cycles of life and death, they are there to warn, preserve and help. Spirits of dead owls and wolves still watch over us and the land.
If you’re quiet you may hear them, or you might even be lucky enough to see them.
Favourite forest walks that will haunt and surprise you
The healing power of the forest is not to be understated. As well as the positive physical advantages it has in dealing with modern-day stress you might be aware of the intangible magic it has to offer.
The nature of the woodland is organic and as we have seen deeply intertwined with us in its simple forms of life and death. We too are just matter and we too will come back to the earth. Mother Nature and her spirits are eerily, hauntingly all around us.
Folklore and mythology amongst nature’s spirits keep and protect our natural world. Have you heard of the Green Man? Watch out for him; he hides in the leaves and trees.
Fairies are all over our ancient forests, they mostly show themselves to innocent children, and enjoy making their homes in old tree stumps. Fairies are surprising little creatures and pop up all over the forests all over the world, but what is the dust accompanying them? Is it their long association with mushrooms? can it be seen when they jump from puffball to puffball in the forests?
JM Barrie’s Peter Pan – A book and a play loved by children and adults.
“The window was blown open by the breathing of the stars and Peter dropped in. He had carried Tinker Bell part of the way, and his hand was still messy with the fairy dust“
The Nymphs known as Dryad’s have a strong association with the willow tree and can often be seen in the daylight.
Humans have always benefited from trees, they provide shelter, food, medicine, materials for building and have been worshipped and venerated by each generation. To the Celts Oak trees were considered Kings of the forest. The Rowan or ‘Witchwood’ Tree as it was known by the Celtic people was planted near homes to protect against the evil spirits, there were so many uses for this tree but one favourite was the wood from it being crafted into a stick to create water divining rods. Read our post about divining
I will do a blog about the magic of trees soon for lots more information, storytelling, and folklore around these ancient living things that have been here for almost as long as the land, no wonder they are so respected.
But the last word needs to come from the Yew, this tree is known for its longevity – an ancient spear made from the Yew tree was found in about 1911 in Clacton On Sea in Essex and it is more than 400,000 years old, it is the oldest known worked wooden tool so far found.
The fragmented wooden spear tip made from Yew
When reconstructed archaeologists were able to establish the spear head was made during the interglacial period in Britain known as The Hoxnian. During this warmer phase (430,000 and 360,000) Britain would have been covered by forests of Pine, Birch, Oak and Yew amongst other magical trees.
5 Of The Best Things To Do In A Forest Near You
Even though a lot of the forest landscape has gone (agriculture, logging, infrastructure) it shouldn’t be hard to find a piece of woodland near you. I’ve made a list below of 5 wonderful things you can do in the forest. Whether it’s organised activities for the children/grandchildren, active hiking, cycling or slow walking, there is something for everyone.
- Parkhurst Forest – Isle Of Wight – Walking -the second largest forest in the Isle of Wight (Brighstone being the largest but only by a few acres) perfect for dog walking, if you love nature pay it a visit, there are picnic and barbecue area, horse riding, segway, go-ape, and plenty of wildlife like the nightjar, great spotted woodpecker and long- eared owl
Want to know more? Pankhurst Forest
- Nationwide – Foraging – If you want to get yourself stuck into some wild foraging then the forest is definitely the place for you. Fungi and mushrooms are a wonderful natural element of our ancient woodland. Either for an experience or perhaps you’d like to take a course and become a bit of an expert?
Want to know more? Foraging Near You
- Norfolk – Thursford Wood – Fairy tales -It is thought that some of the oak trees in Thursford Wood could be 500 years old so there is no surprise this ancient forest will provide you and your little ones with the magic of fairies.
Want to know more? Fairies, fairies, everywhere.
- Hampshire/South East Wiltshire – The New Forest- so called by William the Conqueror back in about 1079, claimed by him as his new hunting forest- so it definitely earns its place in the order of an ancient wood; being much more than 400 years old!
Here you can indulge yourself in a bit of Tree Identification if you are interested in a walk in the woods at a leisurely pace to learn about different tree species.
Want to know more? about tree indentification?
- Scotland – Want to get away from it all? Maybe you fancy staying for a while, more than just lingering in the woods but a short or even longer stay is just what you need?
A stay in or near a forest will relax and rejuvenate you and allow you time to heal and recover yourself.
Want to know more? Stay in a log cabin
If you are unable or can not get to the forest today, just take a moment. Relax as much as you can, close your eyes, let yourself be still, breathe gently, imagine the tranquil green forest around you, hear the soft faint song of the forest birds and feel the lightest breeze on your face. The spirit/s of the forest will fill you with calm if not surprise!
Until next time dear friends x
