The Other Wistmans Woods

Okery Bridge

On Dartmoor there are two little patches of Oak woodland, which are supposed to be the last remnants of the forest, which once covered Dartmoor.  One is in the North, by Meldon reservoir & is called Blackator Copse & one is near me at Two Bridges.  It is the most well known; called Wistmans woods.

These two woods are famous, they are both very protected.  But not this one.  Not Okery Bridge.  This one is unknown and certainly not protected like the other two, even though it is at the same altitude, its in the same world heritage site and its comprised of the same (supposedly) ancient, bonzi twisted Oak trees.

At some point in time some joker has planted Beech trees in amongst the Oaks also some non-native species, including Pine and Spruce have been added and left unchecked.  In the spring thousands of mixed garden Daffodils appear in big established clumps.

However, this site, as well as the adjoining horse field; was the only site in Princeton, where there were any Wild Bluebells, prior to my arrival here.

Hopefully one day, someone will come to the aid of this historic woodland.  Before it is too late.