Fingle Wood

We went for a walk in Fingle Wood today. It has recently been opened to the public and car parks constructed at various points around it's edge. The long term plan is to remove the conifers and replace them with natural woodland. It took us a while to find a car park and involved driving down some tiny little lanes, with grass growing in the middle of them and few passing places.

We eventually found a small car park, with no other cars in it, and walked down the path into the woods. One of the first things we noticed were some huge wood ant nests. Closer inspection showed that the ground for yards around was covered with ants, carrying vegetable material of various sizes, some of which was about ten times as long as the ant, back to the nest.

Turning a corner, we came across this view, which gives some idea of the scale of the woods. Apparently, everything you can see is now open to the public and we are being encouraged to walk in it. We walked for about an hour altogether, and in that time didn't see or hear another person - just a few deer which disappeared quietly into the trees as we approached.

The forest is near Drewstiegnton in Devon (amongst other places!) and is well worth a visit if you are within travelling distance, or on holiday. At the top of the picture, you can just about make out Castle Drogo, wrapped in its protective covering while repairs are carried out to the fabric of the building.