In Eggesford Forest, Devon, a walker finds herself drawn deeper into the woods than intended, following a brimstone butterfly through fresh-scented firs. The sky grows overcast and a chill wind stirs, but an imposing common beech tree compels her to stop.
Looking up through the domed crown, she reflects on the beech’s reputation as the queen of British trees. Capable of growing over 40 metres tall and living for centuries, the beech provides habitats for deadwood specialists such as wood-boring insects and hole-nesting birds. This particular tree’s girth speaks of a long life, and she imagines the many winds and birds it has witnessed.
Thinking herself alone, she is surprised to meet the gaze of a tawny owlet hidden deep in a crevice of the tree. The bird watches her, and they exchange slow blinks, reaching a silent accord. After a few moments, she edges away, muttering thanks to the brimstone for leading her to this sheltering beech and the secrets it keeps.
