The Eagle Oak

 

The Eagle Oak

The Eagle Oak

 

The Eagle Oak, one of the forests' ancient named trees.

Eagle Oak

At near the same size as the nearby Knightwood Oak, we can assume that the Eagle Oak at a girth of 5.4 meters is about 600 years old, and so one of the oldest trees in the forest. Pre dating the Knightwood enclosure (1867) and the coniferous plantation in which it's now set by well over 400 years, we can only imagine the Eagle Oaks original setting.  It's name denotes the trees infamy as the tree in which the last New Forest Sea Eagle was shot by a local game keeper in 1810. Happily the Sea Eagle soars  again over the forest stands, with several sightings last year sparking hopes of a population developing local.

Back in the field

Today was my first proper walk, and first in the forest, since the weekend of the Levellers at the beginning of December. At the Levellers gig (which was fantastic) it became apparent that I wasn't 25 any more and center front may not be the best place for me in a vigorous crowd; it was a buzz though. Anyway, as a result of my 'youthful' exuberance I damaged my medial collateral ligament and was unable to walk any way for a few days, and not much further for a while after and I still feel the need of a knee brace now for stability (when out walking anyway). Over the last week I'd worked myself up to 5 miles, though today set out to test myself, and ended up doing 10.6 miles. The walking on the flat gravel forestry tracks was dandy, up and down hills not so much and off road somewhat precarious and ill advised, every slip causing a sharp twinge (I was certainly right to wear a knee brace). Still, 10 mile plus wasn't bad, and (touch wood) my knee feels okay for it, stiff, but okay. It was great to be back in the field, back in the forest amongst the stands and out in the open heath with its spectacular views. It may have only been a few weeks, though it felt like an age to me. The forest was bathed in winter sunlight, her streams flowing well, engorged by the recent rains, the air clear and clean, it was a joy to all the senses. Our route took us past the Eagle Oak and his two Yew companions, an ancient Oak with a sad tale, set (along with a few other dispersed ancient Oaks) amongst a much younger coniferous plantation.  It's association may be sad, though there's a pleasant calm air to the site, which is always worth a visit, as are any of the forests ancient inhabitants. Lovely day.