A bit of a picture post today 🙂 ! All these shots were taken during a full day’s walking that took in some really ancient woodlands. It was just amazing and I spent a long time exploring this part of the walk, with old disused coppice woods, some conifer woodland, and some ancient mixed woodlands, all jumbled into one seemingly short section of my day.
There is so much beauty in these old trees with their misshapen limbs and their lichen and moss covered trunks. These are the wise old sages of the woods.
Just the way they grow is mind boggling – one ring for every year of growth which makes the tree above around 180 years old before it was cut down.
The bugs must be loving this – so many places to live or hide. So much damp! That means the birds must love it too – so much food!!
I’m not usually keen on coniferous woods, but even there, there is beauty with those tall erect trunks.
The path wound its way through the forest with trees stretching out their old limbs overhead. It seems amazing that more haven’t been blown down because they look so vulnerable.
Some have given way to the elements and lost branches. They rest on the ground, still attached by a sliver to their host.
On this day, the sunlight found its way through the canopy in places, dappling the ground like paint splatters left by an artist. The long branches almost seem to reach out for me!
Eventually the woods ended and I found myself out in the open again. I continued on my way, but thoughts of that old woodland stayed with me long after I had moved on! I was reminded of Joyce Kilmer’s words, ‘I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree’!
Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time,
Your friend
The Dorset Rambler
If you would like to contact me, my email address is terry.yarrow@gmail.com – comments and feedback are always welcomed.
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The Dorset Rambler 
Hi Terry, I love these photos of trees especially the last big oak with its long reaching branches. Is it a deliberate decision not to tell the reader where your photos are taken? It’s the first thing I want to know and I look for any clue. Frustrating! But it doesn’t stop me enjoying your posts immensely. So where is this woodland please?
All good wishes, Cathy
Hi Cathy. Thanks for your kind comment. No, not a deliberate policy at all. I didn’t think the location would mean much to anyone other than local readers so I didn’t think to include details. It was an area known as Handcock’s Bottom, a mile or two north of Pimperne. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Terry.
Thanks Terry, that’s really kind. In one way you are correct. We live in Wareham and without looking at a map I can’t place Pimperne. However, we’ve only lived here 4 years and are still very keenly exploring Dorset. Given the location I would immediately get out a map and locate your walk and hopefully store the information away in case we visit the area and are able to walk there with our 2 dogs. Looking forward to your future photos, with or without location! Best wishes Cathy
Yes, I was wondering where this is too.
It’s one thing I love about Dorset – the Knarly, mossy, green forests. One place I love in particular is the woodland on Lewesdon Hill. Some amazing trees in there. I always want to build a tree house and stay.
Thank you for sharing. Lovely photos.
Hi Jen. Thanks for your kind comment. The area is known as Handcock’s Bottom, just north of Pimperne. Lewesdon Hill is a favourite of mine too. It is a really interesting area to explore. I often wonder what it would be like to have a hide out in these places too 🙂 Best wishes, Terry.
Just magnificent!!
Thank you 🙂
Stunning lush!