Marshland flora

Even now, with the bluebells just a fading memory and the views of the magnificent marshland flora obscured by the dense growth, the wood is still a pleasant place to take an afternoon stroll on a sunny day.

If you do visit, please bear in mind that at this time of year a good insect repellent is probably a good idea.

With the seasonal loss of the ground flora it is the beauty of the trees at Hurcott which catch the eye.

The different tree species each create their own subtle shades of green and the differences in the amount of light they permit to percolate down to the woodland floor creates a patchwork effect in the wood, where it seems every little area has its very own atmosphere.

Perhaps my favourite areas are those dominated by the mature sweet chestnut trees.

Some of these trees must be more than 200 years old and more than 30 metres in height.

I think these trees are responsible for much of the feeling of timelessness and tranquillity I experience when walking through this reserve.

In some areas, where these trees grow in proximity to each other, such as in the area around the "giants' chairs", they produce a light airy feeling in the wood and the twisted bold texture of their bark creates interesting features as appealing as any modern sculpture.

It is quite surprising when admiring these trees that they are not part of what is classically recognised as Britain's native trees.

Sweet chestnut is actually native to southern Europe and is, in some areas, still referred to as "Spanish" chestnut.

It is believed that the Romans introduced this plant to Britain and once here, in areas where there are slightly acid soils and relatively damp conditions, the tree has thrived and prospered.

It was probably the usefulness of this plant that led the Romans to introduce it to Britain.

These days the sweet chestnut is still a much appreciated woodland asset by many people who come for an autumn rummage among the leaf litter to collect the rather delicious seeds.

The food value of this tree may have been one of the reasons the Romans attached value to it, but the bark and wood of young trees was also highly valued and it is this which probably led to the traditional practice of managing chestnut woods as coppices.

There are still some areas of coppice chestnut in Hurcott but, as a whole, the practice is much in decline in the modern world.

The timber from the coppice had a variety of uses and was also used in the production of charcoal, vital for the smelting of metals.

The bark is a surprising material which must have been used by man for millennia.

The bark peels easily and can be woven into baskets and to produce surprisingly strong, supple and durable cordage.

The bark is also rich in easily extractable tannins and was employed in the tanning of animal hides.