Harrier in Oxford Forest

After a relaxing morning looking at houses online, we jumped in the car to go a little further afield than normal, to Oxford Forest, for a walk. It took us many wrong turns, a lot of off roading, a ford, and multiple gates, but we got there in the end - and with enough time for a walk before sunset.

Oxford Forest is fascinating, not only for the wonderful views but also for the black moss that has taken over all flora within. It appears to dictate the life cycle of the trees with new saplings sprouting up all the time and then being gradually riddled with black moss that covers it drawing the sap from inside until the tree is large and it can no longer support itself as all of it's 'glue' has been taken, so it breaks and dies. Sad to watch but we found it amazing to watch the process and we walked.

On the way back on our walk we also happen across a harrier who, without a care in the world, happily sat atop a branch in front of us fluffing his feathers. Stunning