I noticed this area of scattered trees on a walk in the hills on the west coast. Closer inspection of the site made me think this unassuming area could be a living link to a historic system of land management.
A feature of wood pasture is the presence of very old or veteran trees, which on this site were mainly oak.
Here are a couple of my favourite trees. The exposed location and resulting harsh conditions have sculpted an attractive mix of living and deadwood. 
Wood pasture is a habitat consisting of open woodland with grassland or heathland which has resulted from generations of people grazing livestock as well as maintaining the trees on the site. The people would have lived in valley, where the remains of their houses were still evident.
A feature of wood pasture is the presence of very old or veteran trees, which on this site were mainly oak.Here are a couple of my favourite trees. The exposed location and resulting harsh conditions have sculpted an attractive mix of living and deadwood. Nearby were the signs of the next generation of trees which with protection could maintain this open woodland as a feature in the landscape for future generations to enjoy.
More information on Wood Pasture can be obtained on the website of Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk
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