Trip to Hayley Wood

The other day I went with my lovely neighbour, Friederika, on a trip to Hayley Wood, 7 miles west of Cambridge. I am posting about this as it is one of the oldest woods left in Britain. It is first mentioned in writing in 1251, but existed long before then. From early on it was coppiced and is still coppiced to this day to maintain the healthy growth of new stems from stools.

At this time of year it is simply stunning as the wood floor is carpeted in blue bells. There are also orchids and the incredibly rare oxlip (a species of primula which is only found in large numbers in ancient woodland).

On our way there we passed through a village to pick up Friederika's friend John - an artist who lives in a wonderful converted barn amongst his work and casts he made himself of ancient Greek and Roman statues. We were all pleasantly surprised to see a Maypole dance as we drove along - a tradition which is dying out generally, but the Toft residents decided a few years ago to reinstate the custom.