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Click on thumbnail to view full size picture of Withington Woods CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA > WITHINGTON
The track between waypoints 1& 2 takes you through a "coppiced" wood. The trees have been cut down to a few feet above the ground and new growth can be be seen sprouting from the stump (or stool). You can see how effective this ancient method of harvesting wood can be. Just as in your garden regular pruning encourages good health and the trees are growing fast, oak can grow up to 2.5 Mtrs a year after coppicing. The continuous cycle of light and shade suits woodland flowers such as Primrose, Oxlip and Anemones. Sadly, the idea of harvesting wood cuts across the ideals of many so-called environmentalists, they would have the woods left alone to wither and die. I would argue that wood is the most eco friendly material and as for destroying the woodland, well, visit Withington Woods on a spring day and judge for yourself. Keep a lookout for the ditch running around the wood between waypoints 13 & 14. Young shoots in a coppiced wood are the favoured food for many farm animals. In Medieval times woods were surrounded by a ditch with a small fence on top to keep animals out. So a ditch is a good clue suggesting an ancient wood. How to get there: Park in the Woodland car park on the approach road to the Roman Villa. It's signposted from the A429 but some of the sign are small. Follow the A429 to a road 250 Mtrs south of Fossebridge at SP 0794 1117, signposted to Yanworth. Fork right at the first "T" junction at SP 0763 1183. Go straight over the next cross roads at SP 0767 1265. Turn left at the next "T" junction at SP 0737 1366. Continue on for 1 1/2 miles to road on left to Roman Villa.
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