Bark and berries

I went to Pengelli Forest to pick whinberries using the traditional berry rake that was acquired for me by Guinea Pig Zero all the way from Maine a few years ago. The berries were a little sparse and the rake collected almost as many leaves as fruit. The ancient oak woodland is traditionally managed to encourage wildlife and these flayed oak logs have been coppiced (cut close to the ground) to let in light. The stumps will regenerate over subsequent years. The bark has been stripped and will be used to tan leather in the age-old fashion - a process described here. The whins were enough to make a delicious tart for supper.

Bark and berries, clogs and charcoal, besoms, bean poles, hurdles, nuts, fungi and game have kept generations supported by the forest.