The present ruthless felling of very old trees in Burley
Old, in the New Forest, offends the naturalist, because it does damage to more than the landscape. A number of birds delight in old trees, from the herons that nest in their tops to the tree creepers that run like mice about their boles. One does not like to criticize any form of economic forestry ; and in general trees should be felled at the most useful age ; but scenery as such has its value, too, and if any place should be scheduled, like an old building, it is Burley Old. Birds have been leaving the New Forest—the pheasant for one, and the woodcock —and even the butterflies are fewer. It would be a cause of rejoicing to all naturalists, as well as aesthetes in general, if the Verderers would vote for the preservation of all old trees in certain areas, and all trees (especially beeches) of exceptional beauty, wherever found.
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