Bratley Enclosure

Mossy Beech on Bratley Enclosure bank.

Enclosure Banks

You'll find that the banks which define the forests forestry enclosures are often kept clear. Some are eroded to the point of being little higher than the surrounding land, their ditches filled to invisible, whilst others like the one which surrounds Burley Old enclosure retain a significant portion of their original height. I take great pleasure in walking around these features, although only slightly raised there's something different about walking them, a different perspective on the woodland...also dry walking during the wet seasons, which is always a bonus. I don't know if they were originally maintained, ditches cleared regularly and banks topped, though if not those that have survived are very well preserved. Burley Old was enclosed in 1700, and is one one the earliest of the forest's enclosures, so for its banks and ditches to remain so well defined is quite remarkable. That said, if left in peace, earthen features will endure, just think of the prehistoric boundaries which still remain clearly visible in our landscape.

Burley Boundary

You can still trace the boundary ditch and bank around Burley Old enclosure, greatly reduced in depth and stature respectively, though still a strong feature in the landscape. I like to walk boundary bank and let my mind wander, noting the admiralty marks on some of the trees I pass, remembering how these woods came to be and how the iron clads saved them for us to enjoy today. The forest still had to give up some of it's treasures for war though, quite a lot was taken a 100 years ago to shore the trenches and prop the tunnels. Though for the most part Burley Old has survived. It was nice out today, the forest is quiet, closed for winter, all, or at least most, of it's residents tucked safely away till spring. I feel like the night watchman, just keeping an eye on things. Burley Old remains my most frequently visited roam.