Wednesday 4 November 2009

THE WILD WOODS

Across from where we live is a small copse, at the entrance is a lovely Oak tree which was planted in Remembrance of the men who died in the Ist World War. The tree doesn't seem as if it could be 90 years old but that is what the plaque says.


This copse has only developed since the second World War, at that time it was open ground. There is still a concrete slab amongst the undergrowth that I am told was used for a gun mounting. The gun would have been used for protecting the railway route nearbye into London.

Hard to imagine that history when walking through these trees.

Across a road from the copse and down the track into the Wild Woods as my daughters used to call it when they were small.

This area was a lake and I have seen old photos showing a boat house and boat moored at the far side.
I suspect the building of the housing estate that borders this wood would have diverted drainage thus causing the area to dry up.



Beth leads the way.

You can hear her saying why are you lagging behind as I stop to take photos.

The Holly trees are full of berries at present so plenty of food for the birds.

This wood hasn't been managed for many years it was once coppiced.

There are many fallen and damaged trees which is sad but adds to the character of the place.


Beyond this fallen tree was and old track way which has become so overgrown.

A slightly better view with the field on the right and another behind the trees on the left leaving the track in a dip. It is some time since I tried walking along it and the far end is not penetrable which is such a shame. It could be opened up to the road and would make such a lovely walk.

This is much further over in the woods by the railway line.

You have to love these roots and with feet like that the head in the sky is hardly a surprise.


Looking back is the boundary into the fields and from that point views across to Clandon House.



I have spent half the afternoon playing with Picasa trying to load slightly larger photos by URL but without success. I so admire the slightly larger size seen on many other blogs. So guess I need to try again one winters day. However I am pleased that I was able to take all the photos using Manual setting so at least I am beginning to learn something with my camera.

19 comments:

  1. How nice to have a wood to walk across the street from you. And lovely that you can let your dog off the leash. Ontario has very strict leash laws, not fair to the poor dogs!

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  2. What a gorgeous gorgeous post!! Super enchanting..and very touching!I love those ones with your dog..awww...so beautiful..you are lucky!..makes me think of my dog I used to have too( they look similar). All your photos are amazing..and another wonderful tibute to nature's magnificence..I love the title too! Great post Joanne..it brought a spark to my day!

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  3. Thank you for the virtual walk. I miss the Surrey woods, especially in Autumn. Do you know the Sheepleas?

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  4. It is wild, indeed! Sometimes, you just need to make several steps to find a wild place. That forest from my last post is just several meters from my boys'school. The picture of the roots (6th from the bottom) is especially impressive!

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  5. Joanne, What a lovely Wild Woods! My son would have loved to roam the WW and climb those trees! The park rangers who work in the wooded parks leave the trees for critters and new trees to grow in the decaying trees..They often cut a section out so walkers can get through. gail

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  6. The woods look a great place for a walk Joanne and must be a favourite with your dog. When you crack the art of uploading bigger photos can you let me know please ? :) I am in a bit of a strop with Picasa at the moment having seemingly forgotten how to compose collages- grrrrrr ......

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  7. I love the wild woods too, Joanne! The trees speak, even through the pictures of the history. The memorial tree does seem small for being 90 years old, it must have been a little whip when planted. Even the stumps, snags and fallen trees are elegant and regal. What a wonderful place in which to lose oneself. :-)
    Frances

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  8. Joanne, I love walking with you to the woods. It is like entering a different beautiful world. I'm thinking of Narnia now.

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  9. What beautiful woods! I love oak trees and they do seem to grow slowly. I almost like how it has not been kept up because it seems more 'natural'. Thank you for 'taking' us on your walk with you.

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  10. How beautiful to see the leaves still so green! I can almost smell the different trees and undergrowth. You have an incredible knack of seeing the beauty in simple things, like the tree roots, the toadstools with the oak leaves and OF COURSE the lovely shots of my friend Beth!

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  11. What an interesting history behind the wild woods. A very pretty tour you took us on. Beth looks so patient, my dog would've been long gone.

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  12. What a beautiful walk! So many wonderful things to be seen in nature that we often times take for granted. Great post. Hope you are well

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  13. What great pictures and a lesson in how landscapes change over time.

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  14. You are lucky to have woods so near by.

    I always find there's a calmness to the woods. Wild but not so wild if you see what I mean.

    Great tour Joanne.

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  15. A very enjoyable post, thank you. I like reading extra background about bloggers, so that I can understand them better, and their gardens too.

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  16. Thanks for all your lovely comments it is not always easy to thank you all individually too many lovely blogs to read and not enough time.

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  17. My favorite photos are of your dog waiting for you up the path. What a cut dog!

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  18. Joanne what a lovely wood!! Your trees so fabulous... great old trees and your faithful walking companion always waiting for you. Thank you so for the tour... wonderful photos. Carol

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  19. I love the Wild Woods, wonderful for all - children, adults and dogs. It must be so wonderful to have them so close.

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