A wish tree

We went for a woodland walk through Hardcastle Crags today. There are still bluebells literally everywhere and we were lucky enough to have our path crossed by a deer - unfortunately, it bolted off before I could get at my camera.

Not entirely sure why people hammer coins into this old log. Wikipedia suggests that is is a "wish tree" where people can make offerings in return for wish fulfilment. Another suggestion is that it is just a take on the idea of "money growing on trees."