
Savernake Forest
Martha Kearney visits Savernake Forest in Wiltshire - the only one in the UK not owned by the Crown.
It's an ancient hunting ground with thousands of 'veteran' trees. Henry VIII visited often as it was the seat of the Seymour Family at nearby Wolfhall. Martha visits the forest to learn about its past as well as how ecologist Andy Harris and forester Nikki Morgans manage this special site and aim to 'future proof' it protecting the ancient trees and wildlife for the next thousand years. Historian Graham Bathe helps her measure one of the thousand year old trees and Emma Heard who produces the Weird Wiltshire blog recounts tales of hauntings from the forest.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
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- Next Thursday15:00BBC Radio 4
- Sat 28 Feb 202606:07BBC Radio 4
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Open Country
Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain
