On a high desolate heathland plain, with views both towards the coast and in to the hinterland of the forest, can be found the unassuming remnant of a tree, species uncertain, weathered, gnarled and decaying, protected by a wooden fence, all that remains of mighty tree whose large strong branches were used to hang highwaymen and smugglers; The Naked Man. Sighted along side what was once a major forest road, connecting Brockenhurst and Burley, it has all but disappeared and has probably fallen from the memory of many, as would the road itself, only occasional fragments of tarmac now enduring. In times past the forest would have been popular with both highwaymen and smugglers, as its wild nature and infrequent settlements made it ideal for hiding out and hiding contraband; there are plenty of tales of criminal activity, perpetrated by rich and poor alike. The name 'the naked man' conjures up quite horrible images of miscreants left decaying amongst the branches, naked, alone in death; surely a deterrent.
The heathland was cold this morning, -3 in fact, the ground firm, the grasses crisp under foot, the ice on the puddles not strong enough to take your weight, but getting there. What had been mud was now frozen solid, freezing the tracks of animal and people alike and making walking on the afore mentioned surfaces uncomfortable. As the sun rose it cast a beautiful orange hue across the landscape, being particularly noticeable on the trees. All of a sudden a small herd of 12, various coloured, ponies galloped out of nowhere, whinnying and snorting as they passed; no sign of what had caused them to hurry past was apparent, although they appeared to be travelling with purpose. Maybe they too were enjoying the beautiful winter sunrise.
On a high desolate heathland plain, with views both towards the coast and in to the hinterland of the forest, can be found the unassuming remnant of a tree, species uncertain, weathered, gnarled and decaying, protected by a wooden fence, all that remains of mighty tree whose large strong branches were used to hang highwaymen and smugglers; The Naked Man. Sighted along side what was once a major forest road, connecting Brockenhurst and Burley, it has all but disappeared and has probably fallen from the memory of many, as would the road itself, only occasional fragments of tarmac now enduring. In times past the forest would have been popular with both highwaymen and smugglers, as its wild nature and infrequent settlements made it ideal for hiding out and hiding contraband; there are plenty of tales of criminal activity, perpetrated by rich and poor alike. The name 'the naked man' conjures up quite horrible images of miscreants left decaying amongst the branches, naked, alone in death; surely a deterrent. 
The heathland was cold this morning, -3 in fact, the ground firm, the grasses crisp under foot, the ice on the puddles not strong enough to take your weight, but getting there. What had been mud was now frozen solid, freezing the tracks of animal and people alike and making walking on the afore mentioned surfaces uncomfortable. As the sun rose it cast a beautiful orange hue across the landscape, being particularly noticeable on the trees. All of a sudden a small herd of 12, various coloured, ponies galloped out of nowhere, whinnying and snorting as they passed; no sign of what had caused them to hurry past was apparent, although they appeared to be travelling with purpose. Maybe they too were enjoying the beautiful winter sunrise.
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