Land of Ancient Trees
A journey through the leafy landscape of The Midlands
A young Japanese Red Maple in its full autumn glory. Although this species is not native to Britain, this along with other species of Maple thrive in the British weather. Cofton Park, Birmingham. Autumn 2015
A blanket of leaves, the recycling of nutrients through soil and foilage. Marston Green Recreational Ground, Solihull. Autumn 2015
DECIDUOUS FORESTS IN THE MIDLANDS Deciduous forest is the primary forest biome that covers the UK, most commonly recognised by the loss of leaves on the trees each winter. This type of woodland can be found in similar environments across the world with warm, moist summers and mild winters. The balance of these conditions is key for this particular seasonal eco-system of flora and fauna.
A walk through Deciduous Forest in autumn is a journey of colour. This photograph was taken at the peak of Autumn in the Lickey Hills in the Midlands. It is the variation in the species of trees in this type of woodland (Deciduous) that allows for trees to flower and leaves to fall at different times throughout autumn, engulfing the landscape in splatters of greens into yellows, through into oranges and reds.
The Pine, Spruce and Fir forest in Lickey Hills. The roots of these trees resemble the hands of nature, clutching at the earth with strength and dominance.
The sun beams through the ancient woodland onto a carpet of pine needles. Cofton Hill, Midlands. Autumn 2015
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hroughout history trees have been used as symbolism in myths, legends, spirituality and religion. Once an island covered with forest, Britain’s landscape has changed dramatically since the middle ages. Many factors such as farming and the production of livestock have contributed to the decline of the native forests. The first and second world wars also greatly increased the demand for local timber when importing from Europe became difficult, this left the native woodland at a mere 5% of land. In 1919 The Forestry Commission was set up to protect the remaining woodland, and produce a plan to protect and regrow Britain’s forests. It was the replanting of trees in the 1920’s around Warwickshire and the West Midlands that has allowed pockets of woodland and individual mature trees to re-establish and thrive unnoticed within the rural farmland around the Midlands. Each forest is unique, and many are still the home of ancient trees directly descended from those that were once a part of the endless canopy of ancient Britain.
A forest of Scots pines, Douglas firs, Norway spruce and larch. Lickey Hills, One early evening in Autumn 2015
An affected area of Pinfields Wood, where species are continuing to deteriorate due to the spread of disease.
The Evergreen woodland on Cannock Chase, across the trail from what is now heathland.
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he wooded areas in Britain are currently around 13%, and although this is a huge leap from the 5% back in 1919, this is still a number that needs to continue to increase. On average, other European countries have three times the UK’s amount of woodland.
A mature Oak dominates the landscape
At the edge of a field by the river Cole. Warwickshire
An old Oak tree stands ornamental at the edge of a farmer’s land in Warwickshire. The decline in the health of this tree is due to a fungal infection that has hollowed out the trunk, leaving the heavy limbs of the tree supported by a weakening foundation. According to locals, this tree is also rumoured to have been struck by lightning.
An ‘unofficial route’ through unused farmland in Marston Green. The land beyond this leafy entrance has been relatively untouched for over a hundred years.
They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.
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Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.
- Hermann Hesse, Wandering
Ornamental Sessile Oak trees mark the edge of productive farmland, one of which is now a bark-less skeleton of white. Early Autumn 2015
Sessile Oak trees along Maxstoke Lane in Coleshill. Winter 2015
The fallen carcass of a mature Oak tree I am told, has been left intentionally by the farmer as a relic to the landscape.