Another notable ancient today, this time the Spreading Oak it the north of the forest. Set in open heath between Slufters and Ocknell enclosures the Spreading Oak is 5.6m in circumference, making it at least 500 years old or more probably much older. On the ground in the shade of its dense canopy lie numerous bough in various stages of decomposition, which over the years have fallen foul of the high winds which frequently scour the forests high northern plateau. Where a branch has fallen in the past a hollow in the Oak has formed, the specks (which look like dust on the lens) you can see are lots of wild honey bees who have made their home therein; frantically collecting the returning then embarking on collection one again, the traffic was busy and they fill the air. A beautiful ancient oak its tranquil setting is disturbed only by the nearby and noisy A31; still though, well worth a visit.
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