Along the far side of the Loop is a clearing ringed by tall trunks. Their upper branches have all been stripped off by the winds and they make perfect viewing platforms to watch the comings and goings of the clearing.
The clearing itself is carpeted with emerald hummocky moss and tussocky grass. There are wild purple brambles, pale yellow and bronze grasses and smaller trees with winter white branches.
Right in the middle sits the Cross Patch Tree. It is to be avoided at all costs! It's branches are an attractive glossy chestnut brown and it looks quite beautiful at a distance. But get a little closer and you will see that the whole tree is completely covered with sharp spikes. It has been known to try and snag a fairy's skirt or wing if they venture too close.
At one edge are the dried winter skeletons of the previous summer's cow parsley flowers. These are especially beautiful when dusted with frost or tiny glistening raindrops. They are one of the fairies' favourite places to sit and watch the woodland world go by, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun starts to go down behind the towering elm trees bathing this magical corner in a warm golden light.
