Saturday 16th July 2016
Savernake Forest: Bringing history and nature together
Location: Savernake Forest, Wiltshire
Local archaeologist and historian Graham Bathe and ancient tree expert Ted Green will be conducting a tour of parts of Savernake to discuss the history and archaeology of this, one of Europe’s oldest woodlands. This is a fantastic opportunity to admire some of the largest deciduous trees left in the whole of Europe in the company of two renowned experts.
Savernake was first mentioned in the Saxon charters in AD 940 and established as a royal hunting forest shortly after the Norman Conquest. It is unique in having been in the hands of a single family from Domesday (AD 1080) to the present time, contributing to the preservation of thousands of documents which help interpret the landscape today.
The tour will combine observation (tree shape and archaeology, signs in the landscape, species composition, LiDAR images) with the documentary evidence that survives for this site like no other. Participants will be able to investigate how influences such as Roman occupation, commoning, social unrest during the baronial wars of King John, management of the royal hunting forest, landscaping by Capability Brown, the second world war and modern policies have shaped the forest we see today.
If you want to attend this event, which takes place from 10am to 4pm, call the Royal Forestry Society Southern Division Secretary Steve Russell, on 01380 831162 or 07873253425 or email steve@woodlandcountrysidemanagement.com for more details.
