Ferny knap

Ferny Knap is a small enclosure created in 1843, perched on a hillock overlooking the Ober Water valley and surrounded by heather rich heathland, with bog wetland filled gullies; like other enclosures, parts of it have been replanted with Pines, although some fine stands of adolescent Oaks remain.  Just over a 100 years later, in 1959,  Ferny was engulfed by by the later Markway enclosure; a modern money tree enclosure, where tightly planted Pines were cultivated as a cash crop.  The sun, although weak, shone through the trees casting light shadows, reminding one that the season is on the turn.  The smell of smoke, light but nevertheless tangible, drifted through the woodland from nearby forestry operations.

Today a large group of deer, enjoying the respite from the harsh cold,  spied me with suspicion, although not as much suspicion as they should an approaching human; over the last few years the deer population has increased significantly and they have become far to approachable.  That said, they pranced Merrily away when I drew too close, bouncing through the heather towards Ober Water as if it was all part of a game we were playing.