Ancient Wood

I suppose that we should be grateful that HS2 is not scheduled to come this way otherwise our ancient woodland would be at risk.  According to the Wildlife Trust there has been woodland here for about 1,000 years.  A lot of it doesn't look that old, but much coppicing has taken place and it is being managed to remain a woodland of diverse species for a while longer.

And I lurked on the road waiting for a figure to appear on the track from the Merton land (much of this land is owned by the rich Oxford College); luckily this runner appeared before someone complained about my loitering.  She didn't run much further than this, but who am I to judge?