Savernake Forest episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 2, 2026 · 23 MIN

Savernake Forest

from Open Country · host BBC Radio 4

It's an ancient hunting ground with thousands of 'veteran' trees. Henry VIII visited often as it was the seat of the Seymour Family at nearby Wolfhall. Martha visits the forest to learn about its past as well as how ecologist Andy Harris and forester Nikki Morgans manage this special site and aim to 'future proof' it protecting the ancient trees and wildlife for the next thousand years. Historian Graham Bathe helps her measure one of the thousand year old trees and Emma Heard who produces the Weird Wiltshire blog recounts tales of hauntings from the forest.Producer: Maggie Ayre

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 2, 2026

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Savernake Forest

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