Tree Spirits at Sharpenhoe Clappers

Sharpenhoe Clappers was an ancient Iron Age fort in Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire. It's about 7 miles from the urban delights of Luton, so a great place to go to escape the madness of day-to-day life!

Why is it called Sharpenhoe Clappers I here you say? Well, 'clappers' are the name given to rabbit warrens, taken from the French “clapier”. According to local historical knowledge, meat, fur and leather from rabbits used to be an important part of the local economy. You learn something new every day!

It's an easy stroll from the car park about a mile away, there are some great views across the countryside along the way. I went late in the day, it was a cold winter afternoon, and the sun was about to go down.

There's something very unique about the woods here. It's very Tolkein like, you can imagine the spirits of the trees, how they could come to life and tell a story or three about days long gone...

Best of all is the tree-lined avenue that descends the hill, in which there's a clear route down, with the branches growing outwards to create a natural canopy.

I've only managed to get to the Clappers this one time, but really want to go again soon to capture the woods in a different moment, the seasons have changed and I'd love to see the growth, to see how the trees have come to life, and how the environment has changed. I'll keep you posted!

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