This woodland is a stone’s throw from our house. It feels quite magical and has quite a history. Originally planted as part of the local mining industry, the trees were grown to provide pit props to use down the mines. There are humps and hillocks which is where spare earth was dumped. The woods received a community grant about 10 years ago which has been used to make the walkways safe, clear some pathways, and create a nice little children’s play area complete with a fairy ring of toadstools to sit on. There is a wetland area that is thriving with wildlife, a butterfly bank that is beginning to become established, and areas of fallen and cleared wood which has been left for the wildlife to make use of. I have spotted a fox creeping around here in the early morning, many, many squirrels and birds. There is a woodpecker who I usually hear but have yet to see. It’s a really lovely area to visit and is typical of the National Forest regeneration project. I am going to make a series of paintings from this little wood.